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Pastor Emmanuel Denteh, President of the Central Ghana Conference of the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church has commended the media for its immense contribution towards the political and socio-economic development of the country. He noted that the media as partners in development had played a crucial role in ensuring efficient and effective nation building. Pastor Denteh was speaking at a Media Appreciation Day organised by the church in Kumasi. It was on the theme: "Media and the Spread of the Gospel." He said media practitioners had kept the public informed on events both in Ghana and outside as well as educating and entertaining them on many issues of national interest. Pastor Denteh said the role of the media in propagating the Gospel was tremendous and had helped in transforming society. He said one of the challenges facing the country was the increase in the spread of diseases and advised journalists to work harder in the healing ministry to help check the spread of diseases, especially the HIV-AIDS. "The public has confidence in you and you must try to be circumspect in your work by cross checking your facts," he said. Pastor Peter Obeng Manu, Communication Director of the church said the occasion was meant to appreciate the contribution of journalists towards national development. He acknowledged the role of the media towards the development of education, health, social issues and other things, saying society should not only see journalists as a democratic tool but also as servants of God and the nation. Nana Yaw Osei, President of the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association said the Media Commission aimed at ensuring high journalistic standards among practitioners in the country and had therefore opened an office in Kumasi to achieve the objective. More than 15 media houses in the region, including the Ghana News Agency were given special awards at the ceremony.