Renowned businessman, HRH Oscar Yao Doe has lampooned the information minister, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah for threatening journalists over their coverage of the coronavirus scourge in the country.
Reports quoted the minister as saying that the government will deal drastically with journalists and persons who will publish fake news with the intention of creating fear and panic, during an interview on Peace FM's 'Kokrokoo' program. He said anyone who will be caught in such an act will not be spared. This follows six confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded in Ghana.
HRH Doe said rather than the government engaging the media in creating a mass awareness and mobilization against the scourge, the minister was exhibiting arrogance against practitioners of the industry. This, he said, is typical of the Akufo-Addo administration, wherebu public-office holders see themselves as bigger than the country. He however, advised Mr Oppong-Nkrumah to retract his statements and tender an apology to the Ghana journalists' association.
Read his full statement below..
"Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, stop your arrogance. Who are you to threaten journalists? How old were yoi when Ghana entered the first republic in 1992? You were also a journalist a few years ago at Joy FM. (And now) you are acting as if you are above the laws of Ghana. (Is it) because many of Akuffo-Addo's appointees have gotten away with galamsey-booty crimes? Ghana is bigger than anyone! Show respect.
It's very annoying to see "some" of our political leaders refusing to show respect to Ghanaians in comparison to global norms and examples, How (do we then) develop our democracy and economy.
It has become a common trend among most these public office holders whose actions are (only) based on what benefits them today. They don't act for our collective interest or the future.
Many developed countries of the world like the USA, Italy, France, Spain, Etc are going through a very difficult moment (currently) with severe pains on many families. (even more) than the situation in Ghana and yet, the authorities are relying rather on the media to raise Public awareness. But in Ghana our 'do nothing' Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah feels he has become so powerful and he is (rather) warning journalists, (and teaching them) how they should do their work. This is an abusive comment that he should retract immediately and render apology to GJA.
Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, you cannot threaten Ghana's hardworking journalists. They are not cowards", Oscar Doe posted on social media.
Source: Thecityscoopng.blogspot.com
Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. |
Doe you are a ***barred word*** to open your mouth widely and insult the minister. Journalist can not create fear a panic in this our time. The news journalist put up when on arrived in Ghana is far different from when one come. I just arrived this morning from USA and the atmosphere is very calm and smooth. Jojo you have said it right. God bless you
Please you are rather showing signs of arrogance. What has the minister said makes him arrogant? Should people like you be allow to be spreading fake news? Next time think twice before you write.
Insecurity,bitterness and resentment will kill people like Oscar Doe, you're far arrogant than your accuser. How does stop fake news becomes a threat?
What offence has the Minister committed. Yes we are you hate Akuffo Addo and his Govt. You will not this ***barred word*** piece to waste our time. Journalists in this country write things without cross checking facts. You don’t want to be told you are wrong. You can continue to live in a ***barred word***’s paradise. Who are you to warn the Minister? He does not take instructions from you. Govt can’t leave people like you to write ***barred word*** things just because you want to make this Govt unpopular. Write fake news and you will be picked up and punished according to the laws of this country. Every illiterate gets up and calls himself a journalist. If you are a professionally trained journalist, you will eschew fake news. You don’t even understand simple English. Go to hell with your ***barred word*** Doe or whatever your name is.
This Oscar Dos man is getting it wrong due to the political spectacle he is wearing. Please leave Oppong Nkrumah alone, he is one of the best.
It is not only at this time that fake news is injurious to the public good. It has always been and should be criminalized. And so many of us are guilty as almost everybody commenting here has at one time or another forwarded a whatsapp message without verifying the source. Fake news is the biggest threat we face globally given the proliferation of social media these days and we don't just seem to have control anymore . Even the creators of the social media platforms are at their wits end. Fake news and espionage collectively swayed America's election and that is why America, which has always led, is now following and needless to say,America is a bad follower! Perhaps they are not used to following,lol!
His post shows his understanding English language
When will Ghanaians who have made it in life stop looking down on some of us as being unknowledgeable. If an appointee of the state and mandated to preserve and protect the constitution,put across a caution to journalist in their reportage on the on going pandemic that has hit the country and Mr Doe, defends what does not exist. The ministers' comments were harmless. It was a word of caution to our journalist, to be careful in their reportage,so that,they don't create or worsen the situation by creating more panics in the country and you think, the minister is arrogant? Come again please. You have rather shown the highest level of arrogance in this issue.
From Efo Doe's analysis it's obvious he is suffering from corona virus infection.
....is creating fear and panic not a crime in Ghana? Cautioning someone or a group to desist from a crime is arrogance? Doe or whatever you are called, you are rather exhibiting arrogance. Allow the young hardworking minister to work.