It’s such a shame that “communication” in Ghana’s political governance has been so reduced to shouting matches among party apparatchiks that the strategic use of communication for nation-building has not been appropriately prioritized and fully utilized. It’s a shame too, therefore, that my biggest disappointment with the NPP government so far has been in communication, you know, that ministry with three deputies. Here are three issues that could have been managed better.

First, the king’s speech. It’s done, we’ve moved on, but lessons remain for how to prevent such a mess in the future and how to clean up such mess as messes are bound to happen.

While the original sin may have shown bad faith, the government’s response showed bad judgment. The initial response was slow and one got the feeling that the people managing the president’s communication were either too busy celebrating or too inexperienced to see the gravity of what had just happened, and, therefore, was to come. Instead of an expertly-worded proper press release to insulate the president and change the subject knowing very well that more than one part of the speech would soon be revealed to be obroni wawu (Hello, internet), we got a drip-drip of an apology.

From the outside looking in with my limited information, I would have advised the presidency to immediately own the “error by an overenthusiastic staffer” and announce that the person had been suspended, never to contribute to the president’s speech again. Media relations folks would call that staying ahead of the story. Rather, the official attitude appeared to be that it would blow away like most domestic political scandals, forgetting, surprisingly, that this was prime time and the whole world was watching. And this story proved it had legs (any communication professional could have warned them!) and so it walked and walked all the way to America’s late night comedy shows. God forbid the president make an official trip to the U.S. and a late-night comedian begin his skit with, “Remember this guy?” God forbid!

Second, managing expectations. Under-promise and over-deliver. Remember that one? The NPP seems to have forgotten; thus, it missed several opportunities to pivot from campaigning to governing. Like all political parties, this party came into power with many promises on its shoulders. That’s how the game is played, right? But once in power, you govern based on reality. (Ask Donald Trump) And when you find a previously undisclosed GHS7 billion hole in the coffers, you take—I know this is a terrible choice of word under the circumstances— advantage to adapt your promises to reality. That’s just how the game is played.

From the State of the Union speech to the budget statement to the radio and TV appearances, the main message should have been about what a mess the country is in (and that’s no lie): the dirt, the debt, the theft, the galamsey, the broken schools…this is where the party “communicators” come in handy. And so you reset the psychological baseline and give an outline of a plan for getting us out of the mess, complete with a timeline.

When you do that, people will sympathize with you and give you time. People are smart and Ghanaians like to think of themselves as forgiving people. Instead, even after inauguration the government kept on promising things and talking about how quickly it will fix things. Free SHS and things. When you do that, you own the problems too quickly. And that’s where the NPP finds itself.

Take dumsor. When it started again in February, the minister was all over the news talking about how it will be fixed by this date (and missing this date) and then that date (and missing that date)….so Mahama’s dumsor quickly became Nana’s dumsor. If I were the minister, I would rather have been all over the place talking about how bad things were and how long it would take to fix them and ask people to bear with me and make sacrifices and demonstrate the sacrifices that the government too was making by asking every ministry to turn off appliances at certain times, etc.

Finally, consider the public trials of Otiko Djaba. After barely taking her seat, the Minister for Gender was under fire. First, for staying silent on the abuse of the lady suspected of theft in Kejetia. I was told her justification was that she can’t comment on every single case. True. But consider that since the Kejetia beating, there have been a publicized gang-rape of a 14-year-old and many others, I trust, that have gone unreported. Who knows how many rapes could have been prevented if the minister had used the moment of the Kejetia beating to forcefully signal how swiftly and drastically her ministry would deal with violence against woman?

In summary, part of leadership is about sending signals about what is acceptable and what is not. The president may be putting the right pieces together for the big task before us, you know, 110 ministers, retreats, reviews and processes and legislations, meeting with chiefs, clergy, and all that, but we don’t have the luxury of time for all those moves to eventually work their way through the system for the person in charge of the traffic light at Tettegu junction to go and fix it. How many lives will have been lost by then? The president can take a short cut by sending signals at the top for the people down there to do what they are already equipped to do but don’t do because no one pushes them. People must feel that there’s a new boss in the building. And everyone must shake in their boots when they hear, “Nana is coming.” Right now, they’re not.

To understand why Ghanaians don’t understand why Otiko Djaaaba did not come out about the Kejetia mob for days, Nana Addo must understand what Ghanaians did on Dec. 7, 2016. We didn’t vote to change government; we voted to change Ghana. We must feel it. We must see Customs officials being taken to trial (better yet, jail) for taking bribes at the port. We don’t want to hear that it takes time (that’s Mahama talk.) We need to see things happening.

From diplomacy to photography, various elements of communication should be thought through and carefully planned to send the right messages and fit a narrative. (For instance, don’t blurt out a plan for free SHS until you’ve thought through the details of your plan.) We’ve all oohed and aaaahed over Peter de Souza’s photos of Obama. What we haven’t seen are all the crappy ones or how he picked his moments and chose his shots to project a certain image of the man, a predetermined image, such that him lying on the carpet holding a baby is seen as cool. It requires not just artistic skills but also an understanding of statecraft at the highest level. Here at home, our task is to use those techniques to establish rule of law, solidify our democracy and boost our social and economic development.

Mahama was good at the slick things, the speeches, the photos, the videos, the graphics, but he lacked authenticity and deeper thinking beyond PR. And he fatally went overboard especially during the campaign. As an old man put it in Fante, “Efi dzi ina oyeh nkwon.” (It was disgusting.)

Moving on.

To their credit, the president’s men and women seem to have listened and made changes to correct the amateurish photography of the early days. (Geez, that was bad!) I hope it’s a sign of a listening government, one that will continue to listen and improve as the honourable minister for information and his three deputy honourables settle in.

Justin

#friendlyfire

PS: This piece was written before the Franklin Templeton bond kerfuffle. Though the deal doesn’t seem to be the scandal that the NDC is trying to make it out to be, the finance ministry should have taken a smell test and taken proactive steps to deodorize it beforehand—much better than reactive press releases.

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They have also said the government must commit to the various promises they made to Ghanaians during the campaign period.

The Director of Communications for the convention People’s Party (CPP), Abdul Rauf Kadiri, told Citi News the NPP needs to devise creative steps to help address unemployment.

“We expect that the New Patriotic Party will put together the team that has the requisite mindset and skills to be able to deliver our country on a new platform for development. The NPP made a number of promises, some of which were deemed ambitious; but we think that everything that the NPP uttered is something that can be realized on condition that they are committed to it.”

“We also look forward to seeing the NPP bring out practical steps, clear frameworks that will ensure the realization of these promises. We would also expect that within the shortest possible time, the NPP comes up with very creative ideas that will lead to job creation for the youth of the country.”

The General Secretary of the National Democratic Party (NDP), Mohammed Frimpong, also called on the government deal with corruption drastically.

He said the party expects Akufo-Addo to quickly finalize all transitional arrangements and start work on improving the lives of Ghanaians.

“The new administration needs to consolidate all the transitional arrangements to make sure that whatever has come into the hands of the President by way of transition, is confirmed or proven to be just as they should be. We would expect the new administration to ensure that nothing distracts his attention from hitting the ground running.”

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By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @jnyabor

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From taxi and trotro drivers, market women, shoe shine boys, one cannot help but notice the genuine goodwill and the belief that the much talked about economy will pick up to ease the cost of living of the ordinary person. As humans, there is always the tendency to bounce back whenever there is a setback prompting the popular phrase “fresh start requires

As humans, there is always the tendency to bounce back whenever there is a setback prompting the popular phrase “fresh start requires new ways of doing things, new ideas and attitudes”. As we count the days leading to the ushering in of the new administration, I have put down these thoughts hoping the bodies concerned will heed to them and carry us along as we follow them to chart a new four-year course.

GOVERNMENT – To our incoming government, you have won a sweet victory which none can begrudge you after coming short in the previous two. As you prepare to roll your sleeves and get to work on delivering a first class government as promised by the incoming president during the campaign, can we get these from you:

• More of issues and policy directions instead of the usual menu of pure propaganda, blame game and the name calling all aimed at making the opposition look bad and unfit to be voted for in the next elections.
• Appointees who are measured and responsible in their utterances, speak to issues whiles making room for opposing views and taking into consideration the fact that they are working for the good people of Ghana and as such will not come after us wielding sledge hammers after every criticism.
• Less of the naked display of opulence and pomposity associated with politicians especially as a result of sudden proximity with the public purse and therefore feel the best way to showcase their new found wealth and power is to shove it into our faces with no shame nor the fear of God.
• As a party who rode heavily on the back of the incorruptibility of its presidential candidate into power, can we get a government committed to upholding the highest form of transparency and accountability from the highest person in government to the least of them?
• A government that is less defensive but more forthright with facts and figures. A government that will not take us to be a bunch of meatheads.
• A government that won’t paint every person from the average Joe on the street to labour unions who criticize it as belonging to the opposition and seeking its downfall.
• Can we cut out the hypocrisy and dishonesty that is gradually taking hold of our body politics?

PARLIAMENT- To our dear parliamentarians, our honourables as you gleefully like to be called, I say congratulations to you. As you get ready to take your respective seats in the august chamber, may I ask on behalf of all Ghanaians whether we can hope to get the following from you;

• Can you at all times try to achieve more of consensus than the usual “the minority will have their say but the majority will have their way”.
• Can you have the interest of mother Ghana first instead of the party one represents?
• Can you assure us of only the best arguments at all times that will help meet the hope and aspirations of us all?
• The era of rushing loan agreements in the house will be a thing of the past.

THE JUDICIARY – As the third arm of government, the judiciary has had its fair share of public bashing fairly or unfairly, but as we get ready to welcome a new chapter in the governance of this great nation,  can we hope to see ;

• The elimination of the perceived softness or friendliness towards known members of a political grouping anytime they are brought to trial on corruption charges.
• Can we hope to get a judiciary without the slightest hint of executive influence or any drop of judicial bias in cases involving individuals unsympathetic to the cause of the ruling party?

MEDIA AND CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANISATION (CSO) – The general belief is that the media and CSO’s are the fourth estate of the realm. The Ghanaian media landscape is polarised along the two major political parties. Despite this polarisation, we expect them to play their traditional role which is, to keep successive governments on their toes while constantly reminding governments of their social contracts with the citizenry. As we usher in a new government in a new year, can we hope to get the following from you:

• Help in shaping and discussing policies and issues that go to better the life of the average Ghanaian.
• stop inviting those politicians with the acidicacerbic tongue who are noted for spitting pure venom that do not have any positive on the life of the Ghanaian.
• increase your role as a watchdog for the average Ghanaian
• Remind the government of its commitment to upholding the tenets of transparency and accountability.

OPPOSITION – Yes, losing an election is bitter and painful especially to a government that really believed it was on course to be mentioned in the same breath as the great Osagyefo Kwame Nkrumah of blessed memory. We can understand your loss but be mindful of the fact that, every party goes into election expecting two outcomes:  a win or a loss. As you take stock of the variables accounting for your electoral loss, can the nation Ghana expect the following:

• Objective and constructive criticisms directed at the ruling party or government without the usual malice, cynicism, name-calling and empty allegations all aimed at scoring cheap electoral advantage. Can we trust you to hold the incoming government accountable in a fair and objective manner devoid of the usual menu we are forced to swallow on daily basis.
• Better alternatives that leave the average Joe on the street salivating over all the choices available to him in the next election.
• Putting aside the “Thomas theory” which is essentially the ‘cannot be done’ or impossible spirit that is slowly becoming a distinctive feature of our body politics.
• Party communicators and spokespersons should help shape ideas and attitudes of the Ghanaian instead of the regular dose of venom. Can we expect them to speak more to issues and help shape policies by offering us better alternatives without going for personality attacks, tribal bigotry, name-calling, dwelling on perceived party divisions and lack of unity.
• Remember that we are one nation with a common destiny
• Cut out the hypocrisy and dishonesty that is eating deep into our national life

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By: Benjamin Ansah Acquaye ([email protected])

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I trust that you are gloating in this long-awaited electoral victory. It is your right. You worked for it and duly deserve to celebrate; nobody will hold that back from you. But just some few lines for you to consider as you look forward to “positions” in the government; be they at the office of the presidency or ministries, etc. I believe you are aware of the BABIES WITH SHARP TEETH in the soon to be gone administration, whose back I personally cannot wait to see melt into oblivion. Their presence was a huge burden. They ripped into every person, mostly our elders who disagreed with them. Their politics was vile! Eiish!

They were not only caustic and corrosive in their attacks, but left deep scars in the heart of their victims. These were guys our taxes paid. We gave them everything but what did they do? They insulted our fathers and mothers, uncles and anyone within reach who disagreed with them. Their attitude and actions were like the executioner at a palace during the 18 centuries. They had no mercy on those they were asked to execute.

You know them, heard them, and saw what they did to us. I want to believe that those of you coming will not follow that path. Make sure you leave the arrogance and pomposity in your bedroom, come with a humane image. Even if you don’t have one, begin to soak yourself in that frame. Be slow to anger, reflect before you respond. Hold back your fire, even if you are the victim that has been provoked. You are not a superman so some few slips may happen, but, please, apologize and move on. Don’t hold your ground, let it go.

We SHALL not tolerate ANYONE who shows up with not only sharp teeth but one that is fit for the wheels of a Tarkwa to Nsawama bound train. That will be resisted with incessant name calling and shaming. The Yentie Obiaa elements should remember we are still HERE! We shall support you to meet the aspiration of all of us, including Adoley and her friends. What we shall not tolerate is disrespect and insult of our ELDERS.

The Yentie Obiaa elements should remember we are still HERE! We shall support you to meet the aspiration of all of us, including Adoley and her friends. What we shall not tolerate is disrespect and insult of our ELDERS.

Like I said, refrain from bastardising the elderly in society. They may not always agree with your position- but you have to respect their opinion. It is fair to disagree with them but do so in the most civilised manner.

The image of the youth has been heavily dented by most of these “Assase Aban” boys and girls in the soon to be gone administration, whose image did not reflect the personality of their leader, John Mahama. Let’s show to the rest of the world young people are capable of being given leadership positions in government and when that happens, they hold their own with distinction. They run their offices with respect, not ARROGANCE.

Also remember not everyone who phones you is in desperate need of help or anything. Not everyone who sends you an email is in desperate need of money. I am not saying spend all your time responding to emails, phone calls or anything, NEVER. All am saying is don’t shell yourself away from us, be accessible.

It’s my prayer that you will not disappoint your COUNTRY and the teeming youth of this country who are looking up to you to help the elected president fulfil his campaign promises to the people

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By: Anny Osabutey

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