The James Gunu has commissioned three communication vans for the Information Services Department (ISD) to improve public communication and outreach across the Volta Region.

At the ceremony in Ho, the Minister described effective communication as central to inclusive governance and said the deployment of the vans is intended to expand access to timely and accurate information.

“This occasion marks another step in efforts to strengthen public communication and bring governance closer to the people,” he said.

The vans have been deployed under a three-zone structure to improve coverage and efficiency.

The Central Zone van, based in Ho, will serve Ho, Ho West, Adaklu, Agotime-Ziope, Central Tongu, South Tongu and North Tongu.

The Northern Zone van will operate from Kpando, covering Kpando, Hohoe, Afadzato South, South Dayi and North Dayi.

The Southern Zone van, stationed in Ketu South, will serve Ketu South, Ketu North, Akatsi South, Akatsi North, Keta and Anloga.

Mr Gunu said the vans are designed as mobile information platforms to support public education, community engagement and the dissemination of government programmes. He added that they will help address misinformation and improve communication at the grassroots level.

He urged Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and other government agencies to ensure proper use and maintenance of the vehicles, describing them as national assets. He also called on ISD officers to apply professionalism and innovation in their work.

The Volta Regional Information Officer, Emmanuel Kwasi Domi, said the commissioning marks an important development for the department’s operations.

He noted that the support package includes the three vans with accessories, 19 desktop computers for district and regional offices, one laptop for the regional office, and 19 routers to improve connectivity and coordination with the national office.

Mr Domi said the vans are specialised tools, with user agencies responsible for fuel, servicing and maintenance. Requests for their use will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

He also indicated the need for additional equipment, including power systems, laptops and video tools, to maximise the vans’ functionality, and appealed to assemblies and agencies for support.

He cautioned against misuse of the vehicles and said officers who violate usage guidelines will face sanctions.

The deployment is expected to improve information dissemination and strengthen engagement between government and communities across the region.