Former Board Chairman of the Ghana Airports Company Limited and General Manager of Metro TV, Paul Adom-Otchere, has described the recent Presidential Media Encounter held at Jubilee House on 10th September as an “easy press conference” for any sitting president.
He suggested that the event did not present any significant challenge to the government due to its current stage in office and the structured nature of the interaction.
Speaking on JoyNews’ The Pulse Show on Thursday, September 11, Adom-Otchere commented on the nature of the event and the limited scrutiny it placed on the President, arguing that the current government, barely nine months into its term, could not yet be held accountable for many of the pressing national issues.
“It’s an easy press conference for any president,” he said. “And it becomes a problem when, over the years, you see that one or two questions sort of rattle the government a little bit.”
Adom-Otchere insisted that criticism of the government’s performance was premature, especially on issues such as employment, energy, and the cost of living.
“No one can accuse the government right now of not being able to achieve major manifesto promises,” he stated. “You can’t accuse the government over employment, they are just nine months in office.”
He further defended the administration against accusations related to energy supply and water access, suggesting that systemic challenges in these areas predate the current leadership and require more time for resolution.
“Even if there was no real energy stability, you really cannot pin an energy situation on him. If you don’t have water, you can’t pin it on him yet. If there are high food prices, you might not be able to pin it on him,” Adom-Otchere added.
According to the media executive and TV host, the President’s first real test will come after the passage and implementation of his maiden budget, expected in November 2025.
“You can do that in 2027,” he argued, “because then, his first budget would have taken place and you can see what has happened.”