Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., has for some time now been on the back of Government Communicators.
The seasoned journalist has been unimpressed with how some members of the current government communication machinery either contradict themselves on various platforms or speak without facts when pontificating on topical issues. His submission on Tuesday’s edition ‘Kokrokoo’ was no exception. Kwesi Pratt described some of them as ‘dudui’ communicators.
‘Dudui’ literally means an unintelligent person or which can also loosely be translated to mean one who is surplus to requirements in the Ga language.
To the newspaper editor, most of the government communicators are not fit for the position given to them by President John Dramani Mahama.
In an implied reference to Mr. Ben Dotse Malor, Senior Communications Adviser and Head of Communications at the Presidency, who is said to have expressed great concern about the seeming dwindling public confidence in President John Dramani Mahama’s capacity and intelligence to rule the country and better the lot of Ghanaians, Kwesi Pratt said he (Ben) is also a ‘dudui’ communicator.
Mr Malor had reportedly took strong reservations to the cynicism with which some recent decisions taken by the President, particularly concerning the latest reshuffle of regional ministers, have been greeted.
He told Kumasi-based Ultimate Radio that it is a sad development and an insult to the intelligence and foresight of the President who is internationally acclaimed and “a highly competent but under-rated and under-stated individual. You get closer to him (President) and you would have in all honesty and sincerity to admire his depth of knowledge of issues.”
But the Insight newspaper Managing Editor believes the comments were unnecessary.
“…the man, creates confusion when he opens his mouth. How can such a person be a member or at worst head of the communications team?” he quizzed.
He had earlier raised issues over the appointment of Mr Malor who allegedly asked Ghanaians to charter a helicopter to inspect areas devastated by local mining (galamsey) to see for themselves the extent of damage caused.
Contributing to discussions on PeaceFM’s flagship Morning Show, Kwesi Pratt stressed that there is the need to put things right at the communication bureau of the presidency and avoid the situation where the President is the first to speak on issues; instead of being the last person in government to be heard on a particular subject.
“….President Mahama should have been the last person to speak on issues but because his communication team is not good, he ends up talking about every issue…the President must ensure his communicators sit up and do a good job,” Kwesi Pratt said.