Paul Adom-Otchere, the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited and General Manager of Metro TV, described the recent Presidential Media Encounter held at Jubilee House on September 10 as an “easy press conference” for any sitting president. He noted that the event did not pose significant challenges to the government, given its current stage in office and the structured nature of the interaction.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse Show on September 11, Adom-Otchere commented on the limited scrutiny surrounding the President during the event. He argued that the current government, having been in office for just nine months, should not yet be held accountable for many pressing national issues. “It’s an easy press conference for any president,” he stated. “It becomes problematic when, over the years, one or two questions seem to rattle the government a little bit.”
Adom-Otchere argued that criticism of the government’s performance is premature, particularly regarding issues like employment, energy, and the cost of living. “No one can accuse the government right now of failing to achieve major manifesto promises,” he stated. “You can’t blame the government for issues related to employment; they have only been in office for nine months.”
He also defended the administration against claims concerning energy supply and water access, suggesting that the systemic challenges in these areas existed before the current leadership and will require more time to resolve. “Even if there is a lack of energy stability, you cannot hold the current leader accountable for that. If there is a water shortage, it is too soon to place the blame on him. Similarly, high food prices cannot be solely attributed to him at this stage,” Adom-Otchere added.
According to the media executive and TV host, the President’s first real test will come after the passage and implementation of his maiden budget, expected in November 2025. “You can do that in 2027,” he argued, “because then, his first budget would have taken place and you can see what has happened.”
Source: Emmanuel Tetteh
