Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama has vehemently condemned some pro-government media outlets including Asaase Radio and Daily Guide for publishing fake news against Mr Mahama.
Mrs Mogtari, who also doubles as the Special Aide to the former President, in a statement accused these media outlets of “shadowy and unethical journalism” practices with the publication of deliberately concocted stories.
She pointed out that the said stories accused the flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), former President John Dramani Mahama, of seeking assistance from the government of Russia for the 2024 election, which is a complete lie.
“We became aware on Thursday of the syndication of a pack of lies written by NPP propagandists and being passed off as news articles for various NPP tabloids and propaganda outlets including Asaase Radio and Daily Guide”.
Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama
The spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress flagbearer, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, emphasized that while Asaase Radio and its affiliates have long been perceived as conduits for government propaganda, this latest action crosses a dangerous line.
Mrs Mogtari criticized the network’s leadership, including George Andah and Wilberforce Asare, accusing them of shamelessly spreading falsehoods without regard for journalistic ethics.
In particular, Mrs Mogtari called out Asaase Radio for fabricating stories about Mr Mahama’s trip to Moscow.
She stated that Mr. Mahama’s presence in Moscow was to launch the Russian language translation of his memoir, “My First Coup D’etat and Other Stories from the Lost Decades of Africa,” at the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The event, she noted was publicly documented, with Ghana’s Ambassador to Russia, Dr. Oheneba Akyaa Opoku Ware, and embassy staff in attendance.
“In deciding to join the Daily Guide and the Ministry of Information’s fake news factory, Asaase Radio must know that fabricating stories that claim that the NDC Flagbearer is in Russia to solicit financial and technical support towards the 2024 elections when the available information and evidence of Mahama’s presence in Moscow is public, is a danger to our politics, casts a slur on Ghanaian journalism and unethical”.
Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama
The Spokesperson for former President John Dramani Mahama further asserted that over the past eight years, the government of President Akufo-Addo has used misinformation and disinformation to obscure the administration’s corruption, incompetence, and mismanagement.
According to her, these tactics have contributed to the significant hardships faced by many Ghanaians.
Defense of Mahama’s Statesmanship
Highlighting former President John Dramani Mahama’s statesmanship, Mrs Mogtari underscored Mr Mahama’s long-standing commitment to fostering international relations to promote global peace, security, and prosperity.
She recounted that from Mr. Mahama’s early days as an MP, Minister, Vice President, and President, he has consistently engaged with various nations and institutions to elevate Ghana and Africa on the global stage.
Mrs Mogtari repudiated the actions of what she termed “pseudo-journalists and media institutions” that have become willing conduits for spreading malicious lies against the NDC and Mr Mahama.
She criticized their conduct as making a mockery of journalistic training and ethics, labeling it as irresponsible and reckless.
“To be part of a conspiracy to tell blatant lies about respectable individuals in aid of the NPP and Bawumia’s drowning campaign is the height of irresponsibility and utter recklessness”, Mrs Mogtari stated
Call for Public Vigilance
In light of these events, Joyce Bawah Mogtari, the Spokesperson for the National Democratic Congress flagbearer, former President John Dramani Mahama urged the Ghanaian public to disregard the false reports.
She reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress’s focus on engaging Ghanaians with Mr Mahama’s well-considered vision for the country’s future.
This vision, according to Mr Mogtari aims to reset Ghana towards good governance, prudent economic management, and rapid development.
She concluded the statement by underscoring Mr Mahama’s commitment to fight against state capture and corruption and to return Ghana to a path of good governance.
Mrs Mogtari emphasized the importance of rejecting unethical journalism and maintaining a focus on genuine issues affecting the country.
READ ALSO: Absa and Mastercard Foundation Invest Over GHS1.1 Billion in MSMEs