The increasing integration of media practitioners into mainstream political and public service roles has sparked widespread debate in Ghana, as both the current New Patriotic Party (NPP) government and the former National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration under President John Dramani Mahama appointed prominent journalists and broadcasters to influential positions.
Recent attention has turned to a list of media figures appointed under former President Mahama, which includes well-known names from radio and television who have transitioned into various roles in governance and public administration. Among them are:
- Alhassan Suhuyini, a former broadcaster, who now serves as Deputy Minister for Roads and Highways.
- James Agyenim-Boateng, once a morning show host at Radio Gold, currently Managing Director of SIC Insurance Company.
- Dr. Randy Abbey, former Good Morning Ghana host, now CEO of COCOBOD.
- Abeiku Santana, entertainment radio personality, appointed Acting Deputy Executive Director at the Ghana Tourism Authority.
- Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, a familiar sports analyst, now Director-General of the National Sports Authority.
- Shamima Muslim, previously with Citi FM and Metro TV, now serving as Deputy Presidential Spokesperson.
- Stan Dogbe, a former Joy FM talk show head, currently Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations.
- Kofi Okyere Darko, TV host, appointed Presidential Adviser on Diaspora Affairs.
- Others such as Emefa Apau, Paa Kwesi Schandorf, Raymond Acquah, and Prince Minkah have also taken roles in ministries and state agencies, contributing to policy communication and corporate affairs.
However, supporters of the ruling NPP have countered criticism of media-politics crossover appointments by pointing to a similar trend under President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo’s administration. Notable media professionals appointed include:
- Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, a former host on Joy FM, now serving as Minister for Information.
- Paul Adom Otchere, host of Good Evening Ghana, currently Board Chair of the Ghana Airports Company Limited.
- Egbert Faibille, media practitioner and now CEO of the Petroleum Commission.
- Yaw Boadu Ayeboafo, veteran journalist, Chairperson of the National Media Commission.
- Fiifi Boafo, formerly of Oman FM, now at COCOBOD.
- Kwabena Kwakye of Oman FM and Jefferson Sackey, media consultant and Deputy Director of Communications at the Presidency.
- Others include Mark Okraku Mantey (Deputy Minister for Tourism), Malik Daabu, Gina Blay, Francisca Ashietey-Odunton, Kwaku Sakyi Addo, Fiifi Abban, and Kojo Frempong, all of whom have served in significant state or advisory capacities.
The appointments have reignited conversations around the neutrality of the press, media independence, and the fluid boundary between journalism and politics in Ghana. While some argue these roles signify the valuable expertise media practitioners bring to governance, others caution that such appointments can compromise press freedom and blur lines between watchdog journalism and political loyalty.
Both parties appear to have tapped into the media space as a reservoir of communicators, influencers, and strategists, reflecting the growing role of public perception and messaging in governance. As Ghana heads into another election cycle, the trend may continue, further entwining the destinies of the media and political elite.
By: PROSPER AGBENYEGA
