Political

I found John Dramani Mahama’s message to Akufo-Addo very helpful (Opinion)

 It is obvious that Ghanaians have adapt the mentality that political opponents hates each other in their effort to undertaking their political duties. But I personally disagree with that ideology.

 This could be a little obvious but there is a clear indication in this article that our leaders in the political society understand themselves and care for each other despite the many argument that we hear day-in-day-out.

 Recently the former President John Dramani Mahama wrote to the sitting President and the Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Akufo-Addo, which got my attention to delt a little deeper and try to ascertain some elements of mutuality and cordiality.

 Mr John Dramani Mahama urged the New Patriotic Party (NPP) government to be more tolerant of dissenting views from media houses and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

 According to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer for the 2029 general election, John Mahama, he believes the media should be given a place within the democratic jurisdictions of the country to express its views and aspirations judiciously.

“I want to encourage President Nana Akufo-Addo and his close associates to seize the occasion to create an atmosphere that is more tolerant of criticism and devoid of intimidation in order for the media, CSOs and individuals to freely express themselves and contribute to national discourse.”

In 2019, we saw Ghana declining as one of the best-ranked countries for press freedom according to the “Reporters Without Borders” rankings.

 Meanwhile the press was doing some marvelous job along the lines. But statistics showed that the drop was due to the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale earlier in 2019.

 The drop meanwhile was from 23 to 27 worldwide. This wasn’t too bad enough though but a drop is still not in a positive direction.

 Mr Mahama’s concern is such a commendable one but better still some action and attitude of some media personnel in the cause of deploying their duties are so scandalous and shouldn’t therefore be apprehended in any way.

Notwithstanding the countries decline on Reporters Without Borders , some Ghanaians believe that the closure of radio stations by the government further suppresses media freedom in Ghana.

The shut down of Radio Gold and Radio XYZ which belonged to the National Democratic Congress(NDC) in 2019 was some of the citizens concern.

Meanwhile the National Communication Authority (NCA) also suspended the authorisation of Radio Tongu in 2020, “on the grounds of national security and the public interest.

 The latest shut down exercise saw more than 40 television stations being denied transmission due to unauthorized way of transmission.