It is refreshing to have the chief executive officer (CEO) of the GoldBod now sitting down to do the real work allotted to him.
Indeed, after his appointment, I wondered if he was really exerting himself to the task of managing, for which he was supposed to receive remuneration, or if he was more inclined to spinning words to put the opposition in their shoes.
Thankfully, there was his faux pas with Patricia Asiedua (Agradaa), which I hope would teach him a lesson or two.
He must learn to be reflective in public service and not be overly effusive in words or actions when in the company of supposed party fans, or indeed, when among the opposition, supposed detractors.
There is a commendable attitude of the Ghanaian electorate, we observe and note excesses in the deep recesses of the mind.
Yes, some will complain and agitate through demonstrations of all sorts (rants on radio, rants in demonstrations and on other public platforms), but for most, the calculated silence at political affront is meant to punish in the future, when we have had enough, it is deadly (ask the New Patriotic Party).
Talk
Talk is cheap, it is said, an abbreviation of “Talk is cheap unless you hire a lawyer”.
It is attributed to PT Barnum, the founder of Barnum & Bailey Circus, in about 1856, to show the ease of talking versus the difficulty of putting words into action.
For Sammy Gyamfi, and others like him in government, talking is a flair; they have a knack for it, speaking fluently and stringing words together effortlessly in justification or rebuttal of issues; hence, the collective description given to them by the late former President, Flt Lt Jerry John Rawlings, “babies with sharp teeth”.
Yes, talking is important in politics, as it is primarily about convincing people of one’s ability to prudently manage competing interests and the resources to meet them.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has some fine talkers (orators, just that Ghanaian politicians cannot be glorified with oratory, because they are always defensively talking, and never giving any speeches to etch their words in our hearts and minds).
Fine talkers
But whilst these fine talkers talk, must they do so on all issues just because they have information? Is it not important to be speaking on specific issues, to ensure consistency in the minds of listeners?
Yes, Sammy Gyamfi is the National Communications officer of the NDC; thus, he becomes the spokesperson of the party, but does he become the spokesperson of governance too, as practised by the NDC?
No, I do not think so, particularly when he is now the CEO of an institution.
If there are issues relating to the NDC, he can speak at length about that; however, because of the extreme political angles of all issues in Ghana, communication officers of parties double up as communication directors on all government issues, which are most often divisive.
As CEO of a public institution, he must differentiate between when he talks and how he does it; otherwise, he cannot give a policy initiative of the GoldBod and get some to believe.
Some critical people may just think he is propagandising for the NDC.
President John Mahama had a sense of differentiating talk, which is why he appointed Felix Kwakye Ofosu as Minister of Government Communication. The NDC business can definitely not be government business!
Talking across all spheres, sectors and situations makes what is said mere cacophony.
E-mail: caroline.boateng@graphic.com.gh
