It’s rubbish! – John Mahama tells Kufuor

The Spokesperson on Foreign Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Mahama, has rubbished the presidency's directive barring people from using President Kufuor's pictures for commercial purposes.

The Spokesperson of Foreign Affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Mr John Mahama, has rubbished the presidency's directive that no one should use President Kufuor's pictures for commercial purposes.

Speaking in an interview with Joy News, Mr Mahama said it was of no use to issue such directive when there are more pressing and important issues facing the country that must be addressed.

Mr Mahama said: “There are more important things than issuing directives. He should even thank God people are using his pictures.”

The Office of the President last week issued a directive that photographs and images from the President's meetings at home and abroad are solely for news publication purposes.

The statement signed by the Press Secretary to the President, Mr Andrew Awuni said: “Other uses like posters, calendars, souvenir items, banners, advertisement and any commercial products are not permitted.”

The Bole MP said it is no offense to use the President's pictures for such purposes because he is a public figure.

He added that it is even difficult for the Castle, the seat of government, to determine that such pictures are coming from the Castle or was taken by private people.

He therefore asked the Presidency to focus on the energy crisis and other problems facing the country rather than less important things.