Journalist ‘fights’ Information Minister over GHC10,000

A journalist with A1 Radio in the Upper East Region, Samuel Maura, has accused the Minister of Information Kojo Oppong Nkrumah of dishonesty and deception for failing to honour a pledge of GHC10,000 he had made to the Upper East Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association(GJA) even after numerous reminders have been sent to him.

According to the journalist, the minster had made the pledge of GHC10,000 towards the celebration of the maiden edition of the Upper East Region GJA awards but failed to give the money to the organising committee weeks after the awards ceremony was held.

“I’ve admired Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah since his days in the media and to his appointment into government but he is becoming dishonest for my liking.

"You’ve always admonished journalists to always be circumspect in their reportage and factual while you are doing the opposite. I would’ve allowed this to go but I think the media in this country has given you a free field to play.

"Again, I would’ve allowed this to go if you were on a usual campaign ground but deceiving the media is the worst crime an Information Minister can ever commit in which I think you’ve defeated the purpose of your office.

"You came to the launch of GJA Awards in UER and after the big big grammar [made] a pledge of ghs10000 to support the cause. The media hit the headlines of praise for your contributions only for you to fail after the promise.

"It has been over three months and now the Awards are over and even an assurance to redeem your pledge is still hanging despite the several calls to your outfit. I’m really disappointed…,” he lamented on Facebook.

His post on Facebook however failed to generate much support from the public with several people arguing that since he gave no timelines for the donation, the journalist is not justified in his outbursts.