Popular Kumasi-based radio presenter Kwabena Asare, generally known as Otwinoko, has alleged that some political talk show hosts in the Ashanti region are accepting bribes to mislead the electorate in favor of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) ahead of the 7th December presidential and parliamentary polls elections.
According to Otwinoko, many radio presenters have not taken the time to read and understand the manifestos of political parties.
He criticized the spread of misinformation, urging voters in the region to avoid basing their decisions on what they hear from local radio stations and television particularly in Kumasi.
“I’m in the media, and I’m telling you, don’t make your voting decision based on the things you hear from local presenters. They are not being truthful; they speak in favor of their pockets because they have been bribed. Some are campaigning against the National Democratic Congress (NDC), while others have been bribed to favor the NDC,” he alleged.
Otwinoko also questioned why the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) allow politicians to broadcast political advertisements filled with falsehoods.
“I have heard NPP adverts claiming that former President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC plan to cancel Free SHS if they are elected. What I have heard from the NDC is that they plan to review the Free SHS policy, nothing more. Yet, radio stations are busy airing these misleading advertisements,” he lamented.
The presenter encouraged listeners of Kumasi FM and Adehye FM to base their voting decisions on the economic realities in the country rather than on the disinformation being spread in the media.
Otwinoko praised the NDC’s proposed 24-hour Economy Policy, describing it as a strong initiative to tackle unemployment in Ghana.
“I have taken time to listen to the NDC’s 24-hour Economy Policy. The NPP is doing everything possible to discredit this policy so that unemployment remains unchecked. If you believe in your policies, focus on promoting them instead of misleading the public,” he bemoaned.
Otwinoko concluded by calling for responsible media practices and urging voters to prioritize truth and economic progress over propaganda.
Source: www.kumasimail.com