MTN, a major telecommunication operator, on Wednesday inaugurated the Ghana News Agency (GNA) newsroom, which the company refurbished with GH¢30,114.00.
The refurbishment followed an appeal made by the Communication Workers' Union (CWU) of GNA to the company, to help improve the working environment.
The project included the renovation of the roof of the newsroom, provision of desks and chairs for staff of the newsroom, air conditioners, polishing of the floor and renovation of the pantry.
Mr Philip Ankamafio Mensah, Acting Cooperate Communication Manager of MTN, speaking at the ceremony, said the decision to support GNA was partly due to its credibility and international recognition for quality news dissemination.
He said GNA was the heartbeat of the nation and that the most critical department was its newsroom and stressed that journalists were important in efforts towards maximizing productivity.
Mr Mensah said GNA over the years has worked with dedication and lived up to its mandate of disseminating truthful and unbiased news to its receivers.
"You have always endeavoured to ensure reliable and balanced reportage such that local media channels, international organisations and foreign missions have often relied on your agency for news and we at MTN are proud to be associated with you to share our value of working with integrity," he said.
Mr Mensah said since MTN entered into Ghana, it declared its support and built relationships with the media because it recognised the important role the media play in national development and would continue to foster cordial relations with the media.
Nana Apau Duah, General Manager of GNA, said MTN had proven that they were real friends of GNA since it had given various support including assisting the Agency with funds to cover the 2008 Presidential and Parliamentary Election.
He commended the leadership of CWU of GNA for its leadership role in seeking the support and called on CWU not to relent in its effort in championing the course of the Agency.
He appealed to individuals and cooperate bodies to contribute to the development of the Agency.