Allegations Emerge Over NDC’s Plan to Remove Kwami Sefa Kayi from Peace FM’s Kokrokoo Show

Questions have been raised over the prolongedabsence of veteran journalist Kwami Sefa KayifromPeace FM’s flagship morning show, Kokrokoo,following allegations by an NPP member thatthe NDCis behind efforts to keep him off the air.

P.K. Sarpong, a member of the New Patriotic Party,made the claims in a Facebook post, allegingthatthe ruling National Democratic Congresshad exerted pressure on the management ofDespite MediaNetwork to prevent Sefa Kayifrom resuming his role as the programme’s host.

Sarpong claimed that individuals familiar with themedia organisation had indicated thatmanagementallegedly entered into an arrangement with the NDCunder which the broadcaster wouldbe required toissue an on-air apology to the party. The allegedagreement was reportedly intendedto improverelations between the presenter and the government.

He further suggested that Sefa Kayi’s returnto Kokrokoo might be delayed until the NDCformally withdrawsits boycott of the programme.Other claims surrounding the matter suggestthat the party may want thebroadcaster toremain absent for an extended period. Theseassertions, however, remain unconfirmed.

The reported development has brought renewedattention to the longstanding disagreementbetweenPeace FM and the NDC. In May 2020,the party announced that it would no longerparticipate in Kokrokoo,accusing the programme’shost and production team of failing to maintainfairness in their selectionof political panelists.

At the time, Sammy Gyamfi, who was servingas the NDC’s National Communications Officer,announcedthe boycott. The party’s concernscentred partly on the continued appearance ofAllotey Jacobs, aformer regional chairman whoseviews the NDC said did not reflect its official position.

The party reportedly sought a change in theprogramme’s panel arrangements but decidedto withdrawits participation after its concernswere allegedly not resolved.

The latest allegations have triggered debate overthe relationship between political parties andmediaorganisations in Ghana. Some observerswarn that any attempt by political actors toinfluence theemployment or editorial decisionsof journalists could threaten press freedom andundermine theindependence of the media.

Others maintain that disagreements betweenpolitical parties and broadcasters should beaddressedthrough dialogue rather than measuresthat could affect journalists’ professional roles.

Despite the growing speculation, no publicresponse had been issued by Kwami Sefa Kayi,Peace FM’smanagement, or the NDC at thetime of reporting. Consequently, the allegationsmade by P.K. Sarpongremain unverified.