The recent media encounter hosted by Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has sparked an unnecessary debate over whether journalists in attendance were paid. To me, this discussion is moot, as the practice of offering money to journalists at events is nothing new in Ghanaian media.
In our media culture, it’s common to be invited to press conferences, campaign launches, rallies, and other events, and to receive a token in the form of honorarium, transportation allowance, or simply a “thank you.” This has come to be known and accepted as ‘solidarity’ or ‘soli,’ with some even calling it ‘payola’ or ‘payo.’
While some journalists may aggressively seek out these payments after events, I have always maintained that journalists are not entitled to these payments and should not demand them. It should be given voluntarily by event organizers. Having practiced journalism for 20 years, I stand by this belief, and those who know me can attest to it.
In light of this, I see nothing wrong with the organizers of Dr. Bawumia’s event offering money to attendees—be it ₵20,000, ₵10,000, ₵500, or ₵2,000. This practice has essentially become standard.
The real issue, in my view, is whether journalists allow these payments to influence their reporting. For me, it’s not about the money, but about principles and the mindset of both the giver and the receiver.
I can confidently say that no journalist in this country—whether a radio presenter, deejay, political reporter, sports reporter, entertainment reporter, morning show host, or investigative journalist—can claim to have never received ‘soli’ or ‘payo.’ This practice is widespread and has been part of media culture for years.
Can the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) and journalists who attended former President Mahama’s media engagements honestly say they never received envelopes as a token of appreciation? Anyone who does so is risking their conscience and credibility.
So, please, let’s drop the sanctimonious pretense. Some of those condemning this practice are the same people who are paid to tarnish the reputations of others for selfish gains. Let’s not act like saints when our own hands are not clean.
I fail to see why there’s such a fuss about journalists being given money after Dr. Bawumia’s event. Unless a journalist comes forward to say they were given money before the event to ask specific questions or report in a certain way, this whole issue is much ado about nothing.
Perhaps those complaining are simply upset because they weren’t invited and missed out on the ‘soli.’ As the saying goes, “let he who is without sin cast the first stone.” Let your conscience be your guide.
Asalamu alaikum!
