The Volta Region has taken a major step towards closing the information gap with the commissioning of three high-tech mobile cinema vans for the Information Services Department (ISD).

Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, commissioned the vans on Tuesday, describing effective communication as “the backbone of good governance.”

He said the initiative would ensure that no community in the region was left behind in accessing accurate, timely and relevant information.

In addition to the three cinema vans, the ISD also received 19 desktop computers for the 18 districts and the Regional Office, a laptop for the Regional Office and 19 internet routers to link district offices to the Regional and National Headquarters.

Mr Gunu explained that the region had been zoned into three operational areas to maximise impact and efficiency.

The Central Zone van, based in Ho, would serve seven districts, the Northern Zone van in Kpando would cover five districts, while the Southern Zone van in Ketu South would serve six districts.

The Regional Minister said the vans were more than just vehicles, describing them as “mobile information centre” designed to support public education campaigns, deepen community engagement and project government policies and programmes to the grassroots.

“They will play a vital role in bridging the information gap, combating misinformation and promoting national development initiatives at the grassroots level,” he said.

He urged ISD staff to demonstrate professionalism, innovation and dedication in the discharge of their duties.

“The people of the Volta region are counting on you to deliver accurate, factual and timely information to their doorsteps, enabling them to make informed decisions,” he added.

Mr Gunu appealed to Municipal and District Assemblies, Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as other institutions to collaborate with the ISD by utilising the vans to publicise government programmes, community initiatives and development interventions.

He also called on all stakeholders to support the protection and proper management of the vans, describing them as valuable national assets that must be safeguarded to ensure longevity and continuous service.

Mr Emmanuel Domi, the Volta Regional Information Officer, expressed appreciation to the Government for equipping the Department with the logistics.

“These tools are not just equipment; they are critical assets that will significantly improve our efficiency, communication and service delive,” he said.

Mr Domi reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to using the vans strictly for their intended purpose to serve communities effectively.

He indicated that requests to use the vans would be made in advance and allocation done on a first-come, first-served basis to ensure fairness and coordination.

He appealed to user assemblies to support the acquisition of additional logistics, including a high-quality laptop and video equipment, to enable live broadcasts and maximise the functionality of the vans.

Touching on maintenance, Mr Domi cautioned against misuse of the specialised vehicles.

“These are expensive, special-purpose vehicles, and their longevity depends on how well we care for them. They must not be used for transporting unrelated loads, as has unfortunately been observed in some instances elsewhere,” he said.

He warned that any misuse by officers would attract sanctions from management and called on all staff to commit to protecting the investment.