The office of the Chief of Staff has expressed grave concerns about recent statements by Government Spokespersons and Special Assistants without due authorization and consultation. A source at the office told the ”Network Herald” that their actions had often embarrassed and exposed the government and other sector ministers to unwarranted criticism and public ridicule.
The source suggested personalities like Kwabena Agyepong and Kofi Amponsah Bediako should have been fired for speaking to the press without due consultation but have been left off the hook for “strategic reasons”.
Kwabena Agyepong came under fire last week for reacting to a story in the ”Ghana Palaver” that President Kufuor spoke to President Bush on phone and declared Ghana’s support for the war against Iraq.
The Presidential Spokesperson denied the story, but the Chief of Staff, Kojo Mpiani sent a statement condemning Mr. Agyepong’s reaction.
In view of this development, Government Spokespersons and Special Assistants would be confined to their original concept and made to operate within defined scope.
The source said ”even though they are not officially recognized as Civil/Public servants, they would now be compelled to operate mostly within the scope of the Code of Conduct for such officers.
The Code, among others, categorises the powers and functions of scheduled officers, the type of information to handle and pass on to the general public while respecting the official Oath of Secrecy of the Service.
Source: GhanaWeb
