Don�t Scrap The Information Ministry � Fritz Baffour

The Minister for Information-designate Fritz Baffour has shot down proposals to scrap the Information Ministry indicating that contrary to perceptions the outfit is being used as the propaganda arm of government, it actually goes a long way to propagate government�s position on issues. According to Mr. Baffour, the Information Ministry has over the years disseminated information for and on behalf of government and promised to uphold this position if he is given the nod to head the ministry. He was answering questions from the Parliamentary Vetting Committee when he appeared before them on Thursday. If Mr. Baffour, who is also the MP for Ablekuma South, sails through and is made the substantive information minister, he becomes the third person to head that position after Zita Okaikoi and John Tia Akologu, who was kicked out in President Mills� recent reshuffle. Mr. Baffour who has been in the media circles for about 30 years said he will bring his experience acquired over the period to bear as he heads into a ministry that deals directly with the media. Mr. Baffour also a member of the National Media Commission (NMC), however, agreed with calls for the NMC to be given the teeth to bite � mandating them to sanction by either shutting down or punishing individuals who flout the approved regulations of the media fraternity in Ghana.