The Effia Member of Parliament, Isaac Yaw Boamah-Nyarko, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to focus on addressing alleged misconduct within public institutions rather than criticising journalists who bring such matters to light.
He argues that exposing suspected irregularities is part of the media’s responsibility and should not be characterised as an attempt to manufacture scandals.
His comments follow President Mahama’s criticism of journalists for allegedly fishing for scandals, amid public attention surrounding the diplomatic and service passport controversy.
Speaking on Metro TV, Mr Boamah-Nyarko questioned the basis for accusing journalists of deliberately searching for scandals when their reports help expose issues requiring official attention.
“How can a president tell journalists this? How can you tell journalists that they are fishing for scandals? What do they stand to gain in fishing for scandals?” he asked.
The MP said journalists should be allowed to scrutinise public institutions and report alleged wrongdoing without being portrayed as acting in bad faith.
He pointed to the diplomatic and service passport controversy, following the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s acknowledgement of irregularities and announcement of investigations, as an example of an issue that demands accountability.
Mr Boamah-Nyarko maintained that the President has a responsibility to act whenever allegations of misconduct within government institutions are brought to his attention.
He said decisive action and clear assurances from the President would help strengthen public confidence in the administration’s commitment to accountability.
“When it comes to your attention, you, the President, ought to act and give confidence to the Ghanaian people, like you said, that you are not going to tolerate them,” he stated.
The MP’s remarks have renewed attention on the relationship between government and the media, particularly the role of journalists in holding public officials and state institutions accountable.
