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I am ready for
the media bashing – Zita
Accra, Feb. 18, Ghanadot/GNA
– Mrs Sabah Zita Okaikoi, Minister-designate for
Information, on Wednesday said she considered “media
bashing” as part of the political terrain generally and
particularly with the Ministry of Information, saying “I am
ready for it.”
She told the Parliamentary Appointments Committee that she
considered the media as an integral part of Ghana’s
democracy and would therefore maintain an open door policy
with the media in spite of some differences that might
arise.
“I am willing to give and take advice from the media as and
when necessary,” she said.
Mrs Okaikoi 33, a lawyer, assured the committee that if
given the nod, she would focus on sensitizing the public on
the need for national cohesion to rally the public round the
government for development.
She said the work of government spokespersons and press
secretaries, would be separated from that of the Ministry of
Information, saying the Ministry would focus on its policy
formulation duties and make effective use of the Information
Service Department (ISD) to foster national unity and create
awareness on government policies and programmes.
“I will separate the work of the Ministry from politics,”
she said.
Mrs Okaikoi noted that there seemed to be an overlap in the
roles of the ISD and National Commission on Civic Education
(NCCE), saying under her stewardship, she would ensure roles
of the two institutions were properly defined to ensure
efficiency and judicious use of resources.
She assured rural dwellers that she would ensure they were
provided with community radios to keep them informed on
national issues.
The committee invited Mr Mark Woyongo, Upper East Regional
Minister-designate but postponed his vetting to Friday.
Mr Woyongo’s vetting was suspended about a week ago because
of some inconsistencies in his responses to questions and
was asked to re-appear on Wednesday.
GNA
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