A growing sense of unease is sweeping through the Public Relations Departments within the Ministries and State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) over alleged discrimination against media houses and newspapers linked to the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Instances of discrimination were particularly pronounced during the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia administration, where politically exposed Public Relations Officers (PROs) reportedly sidelined pro-NDC media houses.
According to sources, these media outlets were denied invitations to events and advertisements, a move believed to be aimed at stifling them financially to weaken their operations. This action contradicts the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ)’s laws, which guarantee media freedom and access to information.
Sources further revealed that PROs selectively engaged with media outlets, favoring those aligned with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) while excluding others from press conferences, interviews, and other opportunities.
“For the first time under the Fourth Republic, these biased NPP PROs created ‘press corps’ exclusively for journalists sympathetic to the then-government. Even when other journalists learned about events and reached out to PROs, they were often told they did not belong to the press corps,” a source disclosed.
This exclusive system within Ministries and SOEs has been a major obstacle for many neutral journalists whose only interest is accessing and disseminating information.
Media professionals and advocacy groups have condemned such discriminatory practices, calling for greater transparency and inclusivity in government-media relations, as this behavior undermines press freedom.
Meanwhile, a group known as the “Press Corps Network” has called for an overhaul of PROs at Ministries and SOEs and the dissolution of the biased press corps formed by these officials.
In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Komla Logose, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025, the group expressed concern over the continued presence of these NPP-biased PROs in government institutions.
“We are appalled that these PROs remain in office, continuing with their discriminatory posture, as though there is no new government in place. This impunity must stop,” the statement emphasized.
The Press Corps Network also hinted at possible sabotage by these NPP-affiliated PROs and called on the government to terminate politically exposed officials while transferring the rest back to the Information Services Department (ISD).
The group recalled how professional journalists were transferred from Accra to remote areas or forced to resign when the NPP took over power.
“What is good for the goose is good for the gander,” the statement concluded.
Political and development analysts have also weighed in, warning that if these individuals remain in their positions, they could manipulate narratives, distort government messaging, and undermine the administration’s credibility.
Ministers and appointees are being urged to restructure their public relations teams across all government institutions to prevent opposition-aligned officials from using their roles to weaken the government’s communication strategy.
If left unchecked, these NPP-aligned PROs could sabotage the NDC government’s efforts to inform the public, shape public perception, and effectively govern the country.
Source: With additional file from Newsflashafrica.com