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| Mr. Suleimana Braimah |
I am following the
ongoing debate on the decision of Kojo Oppong Nkrumah (KON) to run for
parliament on the ticket of the NPP. For two reasons, I am not surprised about
the debate and issues involved. These are the reasons: 1. The debate is between
NPP and NDC folks and that was to be expected. And it would have been the same
if he had decided to contest on the ticket of the NDC. 2. The debate doesn't
focus on the key issues of whether or not he
demonstrated (through his work) potential for competence, integrity and
patriotism - which are the three key qualities our country requires of its
leaders now.
I wouldn't claim to
know KON. I only know him through his work at Joy fm. He interviewed me a
number of times and I listened to his programme countless times. That is it.
Based on my knowledge of his work as a journalist, I think KON is a determined
fellow, full of promise and passion. To have taken over from Komla Dumor as a
young broadcaster and manage to keep the audience of the Supper Morning Show
was a great achievement and a manifestation of his crave for excellence.
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| Kojo Oppong Nkrumah |
To
have been, not just a believer in the ideology of the NPP, but a member of that
party and still adhere to the requirements of independence, fairness, balance,
and objectivity in his journalism career was a mark of commitment to standards
and a spirit of 'Ghana first, party later.'
Some
have said he needed to be neutral but they provide no evidence to prove he was
biased. Some have said he needed to disclose his party affiliation but they
fail to provide evidence to show he was partisan. What I will say is he needed
to be professional, and I think he was, until I have evidence to the contrary.
Just
like Doctors, Teachers, members of CJA, AFAG, etc, journalists have a right to
seek political office. What matters is that like everyone else, we all need to
be professional, patriotic and committed in whatever we choose to do. Go Kojo
Go!!!
Author:
Suleimana Braimah,
Executive
Director,
Media
Foundation for West Africa
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