COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY DEPSOCOM DIRECTORS AT THE END OF THEIR NATIONAL QUARTERLY MEETING HELD FROM OCTOBER 25 -28, 2012 AT THE TAMALE CENTRE FOR PASTORAL FORMATION
APPRECIATION
We, the Directors of the Department of Social Communications (DEPSOCOM) gathered at the Tamale Centre for Pastoral Formation for our quarterly Directors meeting from Thursday 25th to Sunday, 28th October, 2012, wish to sincerely compliment the Ghana Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the support it continues to give to the various DEPSOCOM offices over the years. We say Ayekoo!
In response to the clarion call by the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI for Priests to use the new media as tools for evangelization as contained in his messages to mark World Communication Day celebrations in 2011 and 2012, we the Directors of DEPSOCOM propose the following:
1. The establishment of Catholic Diocesan Radio Stations and a National Television Station. The Directors at this meeting are of the view that the setting up of these stations is urgent as it will generally facilitate the new evangelization apostolate. In view of the above, a committee of five (5) has been tasked to examine the practicability of having a National TV station and Diocesan Radio Stations.
2. Staffing of Diocesan Offices. We recommend that Directors of Diocesan Offices be trained in the areas of communication and supported effectively by equally trained professional staff.
3. Resources to work with.
The Directors are of the opinion that since efficiency and effectiveness of the offices depends largely on the provision of appropriate equipment. We therefore humbly implore the Bishops to work assiduously to help procure the necessary tools and equipment for the offices.
4. Access to Information:
We acknowledge that the free flow of information facilitates the smooth running of the various offices. We therefore implore our Bishops to make available all useful information for onward dissemination using the DEPSOCOM offices as the official channel.
5. Creation of DEPSOCOM Offices:
We wish to take this opportunity to congratulate our Bishops on creating DEPSOCOM offices in the various Dioceses. We, however, recommend that, DEPSOCOM offices be located in the Diocesan Secretariat. This, we believe, will bring the Directors more closely to and enhance effective collaboration with our Bishops.
RESOLUTIONS:
1. We resolve to work tirelessly to project the image and activities of our respective Bishops and Dioceses especially in The Catholic Standard Newspaper and the Catholic Digest Television programme.
2. We also resolve that, the Annual World Communication Day celebration would be marked in the Dioceses with elaborate awareness creation programmes and fund raising activities.
A brochure to that effect will be produced in good time to give prominence to the week-long celebration.
Dated this day 28th October, 2012
Compiled by:
Mr. Dan Dzide.
Executive Secretary DEPSOCOM
(NCS – ACCRA)
Rev. Frank Offin – Sekyere
DEPSOCOM Director – Jasikan Diocese
Rev.Fr. Ebenezer Amo – Oduro
DEPSOCOM Director – Koforidua Diocese.