Manasseh Azure Awuni, a renowned Ghanaian investigative journalist and author, has revealed that some individuals declined to be interviewed for his latest book due to concerns about their safety and security.
The new book titled “The President Ghana Never Got,” was launched on Thursday, August 8.
Despite this, he chronicled how several prominent politicians, including Gabby Otchere-Darko a stalwart of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Agric Minister Bryan Acheampong, Muntaka Mubarak, Member of Parliament for Asawase, Nana Akomea, Deputy Chairman of Dr Mahamudu Bawumia’s Campaign Team, and First Deputy Speaker Joseph Osei-Owusu, agreed to share their insights.
Awuni shared his experiences with these personalities, highlighting their candid responses to his questions.
He noted that some politicians are willing to disclose information about the country, regardless of their political affiliations, when given the opportunity.
In an interview with Bernard Avle on The Point of View on Channel One TV, Awuni discussed how Muntaka Mubarak and Joseph Osei-Owusu expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of Parliament.
“In writing this book, there were certain people who said look, I’m sorry I cannot speak to you. Some will also speak, but will say there are certain aspects let’s leave it here. You realise that they have so much to say, but they are also afraid for their safety, security and maybe social acceptance. If they say certain things, tomorrow they will be in trouble.
“Generally, there are people who especially Joe Osei-Owusu, Muntaka, they are not happy with Parliament. Muntaka said 70% of the problems in this country should be traced to Parliament. They are not happy, they know they are in a mess, but it’s difficult to fight from within. So, when they get the platform, they can speak.
Manasseh also commended Gabby Otchere-Darko for his understanding of press freedom, surpassing that of many politicians.
“Someone like Gabby, those who have followed us on Facebook, we sometimes fight a lot. But I also think he understands press freedom more than the average politician in this country. You have all the things to say about Gabby, I have had all my issues with him, but he’s one of the people who will disagree with you, will even fight you but he thinks that you have the right to say what you have to say, even if he doesn’t like it. On that score, I think I hold him in high esteem,” he stated.
Explore the world of impactful news with CitiNewsroom on WhatsApp!
Click on the link to join the Citi Newsroom channel for curated, meaningful stories tailored just for YOU: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCYzPRAYlUPudDDe53x
No spam, just the stories that truly matter! #StayInformed #CitiNewsroom #CNRDigital
