By: Nationaltymes.com
A GROWING controversy is brewing within Ghana’s government institutions as public relations officers (PROs) appointed under the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration are allegedly sidelining pro-National Democratic Congress (NDC) media houses.
Despite the transition of power, these officials remain in key positions and are reportedly restricting access to government information, raising concerns about deliberate sabotage.
Selective Media Access at the Ministry of Finance
The latest incident unfolded at the Ministry of Finance during a high-profile press conference announcing Ghana’s signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with its Official Creditor Committee (OCC) – a critical step in the country’s debt restructuring process. Shockingly, pro-NDC media outlets, particularly newspapers, were not invited, while pro-NPP newspapers were granted full access.
Journalists from pro-NDC media who attempted to attend were turned away by a PRO still serving from the previous administration. According to sources, the PRO questioned their presence and made it clear that they were not welcome at the event.
A Pattern of Media Suppression
This exclusion is not an isolated case. Across various government institutions, including Ghana Cocobod, NDC-aligned journalists are reportedly facing systematic obstruction. Just yesterday, a group of pro-NDC reporters was denied access to cover an official event at Cocobod, further fueling allegations that NPP-appointed PROs are working to frustrate the NDC government’s communication efforts.
Under the previous NPP administration, pro-NDC media outlets frequently encountered roadblocks in accessing government events and information. Now, despite the change in leadership, the same PROs appear to be continuing this trend – this time, against the new government itself.
The Risks of a Controlled Narrative
Political analysts warn that if these officials remain in place, they could manipulate government messaging, distort narratives and weaken the credibility of the NDC administration. By controlling which media outlets have access to information, these PROs are effectively shielding ministers and government appointees from engaging with journalists who would provide balanced or critical coverage.
Calls for Immediate Action
With mounting frustration, government officials and media stakeholders are calling for an urgent restructuring of public relations teams across all state institutions.
Many believe that unless these opposition-aligned officials are removed, they will continue to use their positions to undermine the government’s communication strategy, ultimately affecting its ability to inform the public and shape national discourse.
If left unchecked, this situation could escalate into a major political crisis, threatening the free flow of information and transparency in governance. For a government that relies on clear and effective communication to engage the public, ensuring that all media outlets – regardless of political affiliation – have equal access must be a top priority.
Source: Nationaltymes.com
