Report By: Ishmael Barfi
In an apparent attempt to divert criticism, a staff member cited media outlets such as Radio Gold and Woezor TV as part of their outreach efforts; however, this assertion is contradicted by the fact that neither outlet was actually listed or invited.
Concerns are mounting within the media sector regarding what seems to be a calculated effort by the Media Relations Department of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to marginalize journalists and media organizations that are sympathetic to the current administration under His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama.
Nearly five months into the tenure of the NDC government, the presence of several public relations officers who were appointed during the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration raises significant questions about their ongoing influence and the potential undermining of government communication initiatives.
Their behavior indicates a deep-seated loyalty to the former regime and a concerning unwillingness to adapt to the communication strategies of the new leadership.
This issue was highlighted during the launch of the 2025 World Telecommunication and Information Society Day at the NCA headquarters, themed ‘Gender Equality in Digital Transformation,’ which was attended by the Minister of Communications, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, and the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey.
It is noteworthy that invitations to the event were selectively distributed to a limited number of pro-NPP media outlets, including Daily Guide, Peace FM, UTV, The New Statesman, and The Daily Dispatch, while prominent NDC-aligned outlets such as Radio Gold, Woezor TV, and GhanaNewsOnline as well as The New Independent Online were notably absent from the list.
Despite her assertion that GhanaNewsOnline and The New Independent Online were included in the list, these outlets have never received official invitations to events organized by the NCA.
Mercy, in a dismissive manner, asserted that the other media representatives present, who were not on the list, were irrelevant regardless of their qualifications.
This biased perspective highlights a persistent issue of discrimination that affects media interactions with state institutions like the NCA, which should ideally embody the transparency and policy objectives of the current government.
In an apparent attempt to deflect criticism, a staff member mentioned media outlets such as Radio Gold and Woezor TV as supposedly part of their outreach, a statement that is contradicted by the fact that neither outlet was listed or invited.
This selective media engagement raises concerns that certain factions within public institutions are subtly resisting the new government’s mandate.
By excluding reputable NDC-aligned media organizations from significant national events, these individuals are hindering the dissemination of information regarding the advancements and accomplishments of the John Mahama administration.
A comprehensive review of media relations strategies within state institutions, particularly at the NCA, is urgently needed.
If government communication is to embody the inclusivity and transparency promised by the Mahama administration, it is essential to reevaluate the roles of loyalists from the previous administration who remain in key public relations positions and are evidently reluctant to embrace the new direction.
Without such reforms, the government’s capacity to communicate effectively with the public through equitable and balanced media representation will continue to be jeopardized.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
