An exchange unfolded on the Joy FM Super Morning show on April 26, 2024, as Kwasi Kwarteng, spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, faced probing questions from journalists over plans to repaint public schools.
The Ministry of Education recently hinted at its intention to revamp public schools, with a proposal to paint them in a combination of white and blue colours.
However, when pressed for an explanation of the choice of colours, Kwarteng appeared hesitant to provide a clear response, dismissing the question as irrelevant.
Kojo Yankson raised the query, asking, “Why blue and white for the repainting of the schools?”
In response, Kwarteng deflected, asking which colours the journalist proposed instead.
He persisted, suggesting that Kwarteng, as a representative of the ministry, should be able to explain the reasoning behind the chosen colors. However, Kwarteng remained evasive, expressing frustration with the line of questioning.
Undeterred, a member of the panel pressed further, demanding an explanation for the choice of colours.
Kwarteng reiterated his stance, deeming the question irrelevant and likening it to queries about the colour choices of other ministries.
Read an excerpt of their conversation below:
Journalist 1: Why blue and white for the repainting of the schools?
Kwasi: Which colour do you propose?
Journalist 1: Is it that you don’t know the answer, you are at the ministry, and you have brought two colours, blue and white? explain them, can’t you?
Kwasi: No, but in the first place, we are using brown and another colour, have we offered an explanation to the use of brown, I don’t know whether the other colour is gold.
But I mean, why are you also wishing for the same colour, you see the path that you are taking me to, you will make the conversations very difficult and of course, I have read certain reports online… if you look at the line that you are drawing or you are pushing me to, I mean I refuse to be invited there.
Journalist 2: Tell me why blue and white
Kwasi: You see if I am being frank with you, I don’t think it is a relevant question, I do think it is a relevant question, from your logic, we should be asking why other ministries have certain colours when it comes to the painting.
“If I am being honest with you, I don’t think it’s a relevant question.”
– Education Ministry’s spokesperson, Kwasi Kwarteng responds to questions about the rationale behind the choice of blue & white as the new colours for public basic school buildings. #JoySMS pic.twitter.com/FS1Fpsf5qA
— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) April 26, 2024
