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Bridget Otoo expresses worry over sensationalism, unprofessionalism in the media space
Presidential Staffer in charge of Government Communications at the Office of the President, Bridget Otoo, has raised concerns about the growing trend of sensationalism and unprofessional conduct in Ghana’s media landscape.
She made the revelation in a social media post on Thursday, following recent media coverage of the helicopter crash that claimed the lives of two cabinet ministers and six others in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
According to her, the rush to break news often leads to a lack of empathy and respect for the privacy of grieving families.
She said the media must learn to sacrifice speed for sensitivity, especially when reporting on the loss of lives.
“It cannot be business as usual. Some news producers and editors go as far as encouraging reporters to film the most painful scenes, even when the tragedy itself is already heartbreaking” she intimated.
Bridget Otoo described this behaviour as tasteless and excessive, saying it robs the bereaved of their dignity.
She noted that many journalists, including herself, have become used to this approach over time, despite the public’s clear disapproval.
She also revealed that reporters are sometimes punished by their supervisors for refusing to record vulnerable moments or for admitting they lack the skills to cover certain complex stories.
The presidential staffer called on the National Media Commission, the Ghana Journalists Association, and civil society organisations to take stronger action.
She suggested that media houses which break privacy rules should be sanctioned, especially within the first 48 hours of a tragedy.
Bridget Otoo stressed that families affected by tragedy deserve privacy, respect, and dignity, and that empathy in reporting must be made a top priority.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana National Gas Company has denied allegations of wrongdoing in its recent procurement and insurance contract renewals.
In a press statement issued in Accra on April 13, 2026, the company explained that concerns raised in some media reports were linked to a change in its lead insurer.
It noted that the change followed the expiration of previous insurance contracts at the end of the year.
The company stressed that the new insurance arrangements are lawful and form part of efforts to improve its risk management system to protect its assets.
It further indicated that all contracts awarded so far have gone through the required approval processes by the Public Procurement Authority after receiving financial clearance from the Ministry of Finance.
The statement, signed by the Head of Corporate Affairs, Richard Ernest Kirk-Mensah, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
It added that management remains focused on delivering gas efficiently to meet the country’s energy needs while continuing to strengthen internal systems to ensure good corporate governance and compliance.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana has clarified that it now supports the implementation of the Publican Artificial Intelligence system at the country’s ports, following earlier concerns raised in 2025.
In a press statement issued on April 9, the Association explained that claims suggesting it still opposes the system are misleading and based on outdated information from a December 18, 2025 media publication.
It noted that its earlier concerns were legitimate, pointing to a lack of stakeholder consultation, as well as issues related to data security, transparency, and system integration.
At the time, it called for broader engagement to ensure the system would be credible and beneficial to all stakeholders.
According to the statement, the Government of Ghana, through the Finance Ministry and the Ghana Revenue Authority, has since engaged industry players, including the Association, to address those concerns.
The Association described the engagements as constructive, indicating that they helped resolve key issues and showed government’s commitment to improving the system’s implementation.
As a result, it affirmed its support for the Publican AI system, which has already been rolled out at the ports.
The Association acknowledged that the system is facing some operational challenges but noted that such difficulties are common with major technological reforms.
It added that authorities are taking steps to resolve the issues.
It highlighted the potential benefits of the system, including improved revenue mobilisation, increased transparency, reduced revenue leakages, and a decline in unethical practices at the ports.
The statement cautioned the public against attempts by some individuals and groups to misrepresent its position, stressing that such actions undermine national progress.
It further emphasised that it will not allow itself to be used for propaganda or agendas that do not serve the interests of importers, exporters, and the wider economy.
The Executive Secretary of the Association, Samson Asaki Awingobit, signed the statement, reaffirming the group’s commitment to supporting reforms that improve efficiency at the ports and promote a fair trading environment.
By: Jacob Aggrey
