Creating A Perception of Corruption

The New Patriotic Party (NPP), in government, seems to be forgetting that communication is key. It is either the party is not financing its communication outfit properly or the fellows in charge are getting complacent.

Both ways, the party has lived below expectation on defending itself and its government against all manner of unfounded allegations that would go a long way in shaping public opinion negatively against its electoral fortunes.

There is this unfortunate media culture and style in Ghana where a bund of people, either displaying sheer ignorance or being remote-controlled, go on radio and spew out all manner of filth and garbage against people.

Mostly these nasty allegations come with no evidence or facts whatsoever. The venom-mouthed accusers often hide behind the cliché, “it is alleged”, the allegation is never proven, the persons being spited most times never gets a fair and equal chance to set the records straight, the listening public forms an opinion that whatever nonsense had been spewed is correct and that perception stays.

The next thing you hear, another bunch of people are on another network, referring to the nasty unsubstantiated allegations as “scandals”. And that is it!

Our society and new media culture has tolerated and promoted this irresponsible abuse of press freedom to an extent it has become accepted.

For a party in government, it ought not take such a thing for granted. Else before long, the strategy would have been used in convincing the masses that a good member of government officials are corrupt when in reality, the allegations lack merit and are not backed with the slightest iota of evidence.

Communication management is a tough job. It is even tougher when there is a deliberate attempt to twist the facts. But it is most tough when the agenda is against an incumbent government and its officials.

THE PUBLISHER has observed this strategy being used to bring down and destroy the reputation of one too many illustrious persons.

It was the same strategy that was used in portraying the NPP as a “cocaine party” when President Kufuor was in power.  When the nonsense started, the NPP took it for granted. Until the perception got stuck in people’s minds.

Same strategy is now at play and targeted at a number of people in government, just to paint them as corrupt.

Finance Minister Ken Ofori Atta, the Chief Executive of COCOBOD JB Aidoo, NLA Director General Kofi Osei Ameyaw, Trade Minister Alan Kyeremanten, Deputy Chief of Staff Abu Jinapor have all suffered as victims of this mischief from persons being manipulated.

Yet the party they belong to is watching unconcerned. Let them continue to stand akimbo and watch with zipped lips. A perception of corruption in the minds of the public is a key ingredient to loosing an election in Ghana. The least said the better.