UK High C’ssner defends “Soli” comment

The British High Commissioner to Ghana Jon Benjamin has defended his comments on the taking of “Soli” by Ghanaian journalists which has stirred controversy in the Ghanaian media.

Benjamin in a speech at the 10th anniversary celebrations of policy think tank IMANI Ghana, questioned why journalists accept money for covering events, which is their primary responsibility but are quick to expose corruption involving public officials.

“…What are we to think when certain journalists expect the famous ‘soli’ to cover our events? …and if those journalists who pride themselves on reporting corruption in others then ask for unofficial payments, isn’t that hypocritical?” he asked.

The comments have created sharp division among media practitioners in the country. The Ghana Journalist Association has waded into the controversy with the explanation that 'soli’ cannot be equated to corruption in anyway.

However, in an apparent response to a tweet about the controversy his remarks have created in the Ghanaian media, Benjamin said he only expressed the view of the High commission.