I’m not NPP – Jon Benjamin

The British High Commissioner to Ghana Jon Benjamin has categorically stated that he is not doing the hatchet job of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) by taking the ruling government on in the area of corruption.

A comment made by him that it was unethical for journalists to collect or be given solidarity popularly known as ‘Soli’ before reporting events among other critical comments against public office holders generated heated debate in the media a few months ago.

“If those journalists who pride themselves on reporting corruption in others, then ask for unofficial payment for themselves, isn’t that a touch hypocritical?” Benjamin said at an IMANI event late last year.

Speaking to Bola Ray on Starr Chat Wednesday, the High Commissioner said: “My corruption lecture was not directed at the ruling government… I am not overly critical of the ruling government.”

According to Benjamin, who has been British High Commissioner to Ghana since 2014, said he enjoys his job as a diplomat because that has been his dream.

“I would have regretted if I hadn't become a diplomat… Being a diplomat is the only job I really wanted to do.”

Benjamin’s last post before coming to Ghana was at Chile. He joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 1986. He has previously served in New York (2005-2008), Washington (2005), Ankara (1996-1999) and Jakarta (1988-1991).

He has also held several positions in the FCO: Policy Officer for Burma and Laos (1986-1987); Lead Policy Officer for Central Asia and Caucasus (1992-1993); Chief of Staff to FCO Minister responsible for EU and Latin America (1993-1995); Head of Zimbabwe Emergency Unit (2000); Deputy Head of Drugs and International Crime Department (2000-2002); Head of Human Rights Policy Department (2002-2005). Jon has a degree in Languages (German and Swedish) and International Relations, and a strong background in Human Rights.