Obama visit: Information Minister lauds organisation, blames GTV

Zita Okaikoi, Information Minister The Minister of Information, Mrs Zita Okaikoi, has chided the National Broadcaster, Ghana Television (GTV) for failing the nation during the historic visit of US President Barack Obama. Local and International media were served with poor quality pictures and inaudible sound by GTV and Metro TV during the visit. Critics have described it as a source of embarrassment to the country. In an interview with Joy FM's Super Morning Show host Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, the Information Minister, expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of job done by the stations and gave the assurance that she will get to the bottom of the matter. She suspects rivalry and has convened a meeting on Monday with the leaders of the two stations, ostensibly to ascertain the cause of the problem. The two stations have meanwhile been blaming each other for the poor job done. The Information Minister has therefore requested for a formal report on the coverage of the historic visit. Zita Okaikoi however lauded the organisation of the entire visit, saying it was perfectly done. She said the event at the International Conference Centre, where Mr Obama addressed Parliament, was a scene to behold. Mrs Okaikoi noted that it was regrettable that the public did not have the opportunity to meet with Mr. Obama. She said although the government intended to organise the event at the Independence Square and create the platform for Ghanaians to catch a glimpse of the US president, that had to be changed because of security concerns raised by the Americans. On the issue of ministers breaking protocol and taking photographs Obama at the arrival and departure ceremony at the Kotoka International Airport, the Information said there was nothing wrong with that. "Even the Secret Services were taking photographs of their own president," she asserted. Story by Malik Abass Daabu