Presidential coverage: Problem would only arise if access is rigged in favour of Woezor TV — Manasseh

Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni has reacted to the ongoing controversy surrounding Woezor TV’s coverage of presidential events.

Recently, several members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) have raised concerns over what they describe as the sidelining of state-owned GTV in favour of the pro-NDC media outlet, Woezor TV.

They argue that the exclusive rights to cover events at the Presidency, originally granted to GTV, are gradually being taken away.

Responding to these claims, Stan Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations at the Office of the President and owner of Woezor TV, clarified that no media house, including GTV, has been barred from accessing live feeds from the Presidency.

Reacting to the matter in a social media post on Thursday, February 20, Manasseh noted that if state-owned media and others still have direct access, there is no cause for alarm.

“If GTV, JoyNews, and others have unfettered access just like Woezor TV, then there’s nothing to worry about. If they choose to record and air national events later, while Woezor streams them live, there’s no problem.

“It would be worrisome if others are denied access to live broadcasts of presidential events while Woezor is granted exclusive access because of its owner’s influence. From what I know, programming, advertising, and other commercial interests often prevent TV stations from airing events live even when they have access. If Woezor has the space to do that, I see nothing wrong with it. A problem would only arise if access is rigged in favour of Woezor TV,” Manasseh wrote.

The journalist, however, raised concerns about the use of Woezor TV’s logo on the President’s social media handles during broadcasts, rather than the official Presidency logo.

“The Deputy Chief of Staff could find himself in a conflict of interest if his private TV station is the one being ‘advertised’ on the President’s social media and YouTube channels. His position gives him the power to influence who provides official live feeds for presidential and national events,” Manasseh stated.