Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has openly criticized the popular television program Good Evening Ghana, accusing it of serving as a platform for New Patriotic Party (NPP) propaganda rather than functioning as a credible current affairs show.
The comments came during a live discussion on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana program, where Felix Kwakye Ofosu and Good Evening Ghana host Paul Adom Otchere appeared together as panelists.
Kwakye Ofosu questioned the contemporary nature of Good Evening Ghana, asking, “Except that these days, I don’t know what good evening is, but what is it? It looks more like an NPP satirical show these days than the top leading current affairs program that we had decades ago.”
In response, Paul Adom Otchere dismissed the criticism as mere opinion, stating, “That’s an opinion that you have.”
Kwakye Ofosu quickly countered, emphasizing that his concerns were based on observation rather than personal bias.
Speaking from his years as an active listener before fully engaging in politics, Kwakye Ofosu recalled that while he sometimes disagreed with Otchere’s positions, he maintained respect for the program.
“When I started politics actively, I was an active listener. Even if I disagreed with your positions on some issues, I respected the platform.”
However, he argued that since former President Nana Addo Dankwah Akufo-Addo came into power, the show has shifted dramatically.
“Then before long, especially when President Akufo-Addo rose to power, suddenly the thing has become an NPP outlet, where bizarre, sometimes outrageous propaganda is churned out,” Kwakye Ofosu said.
He criticized the show for frequently using Facebook posts that promote NPP propaganda as sources and for giving little chance for opposing views to be heard on air.
“And if you are not lucky, you will be dressed down on that show without any opportunity to even respond,” Ofosu Kwakye added.
Addressing Otchere’s party affiliation, Kwakye Ofosu noted, “Paul being NPP has always been known; it’s not something that has not been known. But the platform used to be respected because it hosted leading figures, newsmakers, and luminaries across society to discuss important national matters.” He lamented that this respect has diminished.
“Let me place that on record, the NPP is not a secret cult if he belongs to the party. And it’s also okay that now he has actually closed the loop and is now representing them on TV.”
Kwakye Ofosu also challenged claims of the show’s popularity beyond NPP supporters.
“Great ratings amongst NPP supporters, why not? If you have an outlet on TV, primetime on TV, you watch it as an NPP supporter. So I think that we should watch it carefully. Otherwise, it’s a huge loss to your station, I must indicate. Because people really tuned in,” he declared.
Reminiscing about the show’s former stature, he referenced notable personalities like the late Akoto Osei, highlighting the quality and balance in past discussions.
“You could disagree with them but still respect the authority they brought. These days, it’s NPP propagandists and one-sided narratives.”
When questioned whether programs naturally evolve over time, Kwakye Ofosu maintained, “It has evolved in the wrong direction, to be honest with you. It’s my opinion, but it’s an opinion that I’m sure many people will share.”
Source: www.Kumasimail/Kwadwo Owusu