President John Mahama yesterday hosted selected media representatives at the Flagstaff House. Much as those charged with drawing the list of invitees succeeded in keeping some media houses away from the venue, we think that not taking that path would have added to the aura of the President and government. Perhaps that dividend was unwanted after all.
It would appear, however, that the status quo would be maintained as a feature of this incumbent administration unless the President directs otherwise. The glamour of the event is being threatened by the observations of cynics that the exercise was nothing but a PR gimmick seeking to make good the waning image of the President.
President Mahama can change this perception when he makes good the promises he made during the meeting with the media representatives.
Last year, the President engaged the media on a similar platform and although it was not a commemoration of an anniversary, it nonetheless afforded the media a rare opportunity to interrogate national issues devoid of the intervention of propaganda practitioners.
The year 2014 is a critical one in the tenure of President John Mahama: he can attempt changing somewhat, the not-too-good image of his administration by taking certain measures.
Although these might be too challenging for him, when taken they would go a long way in reducing the negative attributes of his administration.
Characteristic of him, he has already promised Ghanaians better times this year, one of his several compatriots have had to contend with, albeit with a pinch of salt. We wonder how he is going to achieve this feat given the government-inflicted fiscal challenges this country is embroiled in.
Perhaps there are certain positive facts which the President is keeping to his chest; when the blissful times begin to unfold, however, we shall pour endless plaudits on him.
President Mahama made a significant remark worth commenting upon and dissecting. He said corruption is corruption regardless of which party is in power. It is a suggestion that the canker should not be limited to particular political dispensations.
It was instructive hearing the President pass the remark. If only his colleagues in the National Democratic Congress (NDC) party would buy into this position, we would have introduced a certain modicum of seriousness into local politics.
Unfortunately however, the President�s appointees, when they are offered public platforms, spew remarks which are devoid of decency and veracity.
Comparing the state of corruption between two governments in our opinion is not a bad idea if this is intended to eventually minimize the incidence in our body politic.
When, however, the comparison is etched in mischief and mendacity then the nation becomes the loser as we engage in unnecessary political polemics.
Even as the curtains were drawn over yesterday�s engagement with the President, the prying eyes of the local media and Ghanaians in general would be transfixed on the Flagstaff House in a critical bid to determine the sincerity or otherwise of the Commander-In-Chief.
Source: Editorial/Daily Guide
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