Pratt quizzes Mahama over Ben Malor’s appointment

“To be the presidential spokesperson, you need a certain depth of current happenings in Ghana; I am not so sure that that grasp is there. What necessitated the president’s decision to bring such a person? Was something wrong? What was it? And if everything was alright within the communication team, then why this change?” Queries Kwesi Pratt.

President John Dramani Mahama on Monday appointed former BBC presenter, Ben Dotse Malor, as Senior Communications Adviser and Head of Communications at the Presidency.

A statement signed by Hon. Mahama Ayariga, Minister for Information said "Mr Malor joins the Presidency with a wealth of experience, expertise and accomplishments from the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and the United Nations (UN), where he has been serving as the Chief Executive Producer of UN Radio”.

Mr. Dotse Malor has been living outside of the country serving in various capacities in the United Nations (UN) and hosting programmes at the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC).

But some say the announcement of his appointment confounds them.

The immediate past Ag. Director of the School of Communications, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo is questioning whether Mr. Malor’s appointment isn’t a mere duplication of the Information and Media Relations Ministry’s functions.

Speaking to the issue, the Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper wonders what the duties of Mr. Malor will be since there is already an Information Ministry, Communication team and a spokesperson for the President.

Kwesi Pratt told Kwami Sefa Kayi on ‘Kokrokoo’ that Mr. Malor would have to be abreast with everything happening in the country as far as the presidency is concerned.

He asked government to clarify the duties of Mr. Malor so that Ghanaians, especially the media will know who to contact for any information.

Kwesi Pratt, however, described Mr. Ben Malor as a truthful and spiritual person but said beyond his personal attributes, he will face challenges with the structure of government communication.

“The members within the communication team are so many that they end up contradicting themselves and that is one of the major problems…what is the structure? We, however, welcome him and ask him to be careful because he is on very slippery grounds,” he added.