The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has urged agencies under the Office of Government Machinery (OGM) to prioritise the national interest by enhancing transparency and timely communication with the public.
Speaking at the launch of the 2024 Public Opinion Survey Report in Accra, Madam Muslim emphasised the need for OGM entities to activate and effectively utilise their websites, social media platforms, and information management systems to provide accurate and accessible information to citizens.
Representing the Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, she called on staff of the OGM agencies to work beyond partisan lines and remain committed to the core objectives of their respective institutions.
“The OGM entities must provide timely information and be responsive to the demands and requests for information from the public,” she stated. “It is you, the civil servants and public servants, who are in for the long haul. Let the positive outcomes reflect on your work and yield tangible results.”
Madam Muslim expressed concern over findings from the 2024 survey, which revealed that a majority of Ghanaians rely on social media as their primary source of information. She questioned the reliability of such sources, given the prevalence of misinformation online, and urged OGM agencies to counter false narratives by actively sharing credible information through their official channels.
She cited recent misinformation as a case in point, referencing false reports that GH¢78 million was allocated to herself and Mr. Kwakye Ofosu in the 2025 Budget for propaganda. “After the 2025 Budget presentation, I woke up to headlines alleging such an allocation. This is why institutions like the Information Services Department (ISD) must step up to correct these inaccuracies,” she said.
According to her, the President Mahama-led administration remains committed to resetting the country, and it is essential for all OGM agencies to support this vision by being proactive in public communication and service delivery.
“Whatever your political affiliation or interest, Ghana is the only country we have,” she stressed. “Let us work hard so that the resetting agenda will be felt in the lives of all citizens.”
The OGM is made up of various institutions that support the Presidency in implementing policy initiatives. These include the Council of State, State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Information Services Department, National Population Commission, Ghana AIDS Commission, MASLOC, and others.
The 2024 Public Opinion Survey involved over 1,000 participants from all 16 regions of Ghana, utilising focus group discussions, interviews, and online responses to gather insights on public perceptions of OGM agencies.
GNA
