General News of Wednesday, 24 July 2019

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

I've not issued apology letter to Multimedia - Sanitation Minister

Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Sanitaion Minister and Adom FM intern Rahinatu Abdul Bach Cecilia Abena Dapaah, Sanitaion Minister and Adom FM intern Rahinatu Abdul Bach

The Minister for Sanitation and Water Resources, Cecilia Abena Dapaah has revealed that her outfit has not issued a letter of apology to the Multimedia Group over an interview she declined because it was going to be conducted by an intern.

Speaking on Oman FM's 'Boiling Point' programme Tuesday evening, Madam Dapaah indicated that, two managerial staff from Multimedia rather called her on Monday to apologize.

"If something is wrong then it is wrong. We are very careful in this government because our leader is humble therefore we as his appointees need to serve with humility and Ghanaians appreciate what President Akufo-Addo is doing," she said.

She noted that her ministry has had the best relationship working hand-in-hand with journalists and if any journalist wants an interview, "I'm there; my door is always open 24/7."

Madam Cecilia Dapaah added since she was appointed a minister of state, she has never declined any request to be interviewed by any journalist unless she is in a meeting or is not available.

Background

The Public Relations Unit of the Sanitation Ministry on Tuesday, July 23, 2016, issued a statement which appears to be an apology to the Multimedia Group for the unfortunate incident which occurred between herself and an intern of Adom FM.

The statement read, “We wish to apologize to the reporter and the media house for any inconvenience caused and hope we all continue to work more closely together.”

The statement explained further that, The Minister, Cecilia Abena Dapaah did not ignore the reporter on the basis that she was an intern but because she was not prompted earlier enough by the news editor of the radio station.

“The Minister was in a meeting when she received the call and was, therefore, requesting that the reporter call later. She was of the view that the news editor could have prompted her earlier for the interview. The sector Minister did not ignore the reporter on the basis that she was an intern,” the statement reads.

But in a quick rebuttal, Madam Cecilia Dapaah maintains that the alleged letter in circulation was not released by her Ministry and as a result should be treated with the contempt it deserves.

Read the full statement below