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Mahama must keep quiet as his credibility wanes - UCC lecturer

By MyJoyOnline
Politics Mahama must keep quiet as his credibility wanes - UCC lecturer
OCT 23, 2014 LISTEN

A political communications lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr. Eric Opoku Mensah has advised President John Mahama to re-check his communications strategy, and prefers he "keeps quiet in most situations".

Dr. Opoku Mensah told Joy FM's "Top Story" that he has observed some “major communication gaps” in the President's recent utterances, which he said is building up to him “losing some level of credibility”.

President Mahama, in an attempt to woo Ghanaian investors in the Diaspora to support the local economy, said among other things that Ghanaian residents do not paint an accurate picture about the true state of the economy to their relatives abroad.

A group calling itself "Concerned Ghanaians living in the UK", Thursday demonstrated in London over the president's comments, which they say were insulting to their intelligence.

According to Dr. Opoku Mensah, Ghanaians “clearly” know that the economic indicators are being changed but the total effect has not been “felt by every Ghanaian”, based on which he described Mahama's comment as unfair.

He questioned why the President is running to the IMF if the economy has improved.

President Mahama should therefore use his communication background strategically by constantly giving people hope, letting them know the measures in place and assuring them that things will improve, he suggested.

“I think the president should learn to be silent in a number of situations and rather concentrate on getting the results…and I think it is important the sanctity of the presidential communication is protected.”

He also advised President Mahama to avoid giving extempore speeches.

But a presidential staffer, Clement Apaak says the president's comments should be taken within the total context and the conditions he laid before.

According to him, the comments fit a segment of the population that have decided, for political expediency, to do everything possible to create the impression that things are getting worse in the country.

He argued that President Mahama has been “honest and straight forward to the people of Ghana”, adding that the President would not be faulted if his words are analysed fairly.

Mr. Apaak stressed that President Mahama has no intention to slight of Ghanaians who have genuine needs and make demands from relatives abroad. Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com| Isaac Essel | [email protected] | twitter @isaacessel

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