Investigative journalist and author, Manasseh Azure Awuni has shared the challenges he faced in attempting to interview President Akufo-Addo for his forthcoming book, “The President Ghana Never Got.”
The 400-page book documents major events during the 8-year reign of President Akufo-Addo.
According to him, he engaged with the President’s cousin, Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko to secure an interview with the President, however, all efforts proved futile.
Narrating the happening in an interview with Ahotor FM, he said “I initially wanted to speak to President Akufo-Addo when writing this book. I remember speaking to his cousin, Gabby Asare Otchere Darko, and when I finished, I had done my reiki and people had told me that he [the President] wasn’t happy with the work I was doing. So I asked Gabby if there was a possibility of speaking to him, and he said, ‘I don’t think he will speak to you.’ I asked why, and he said, ‘The President thinks you’ve been mean to him.’
“And I said ‘But I even spoke to former President Mahama [despite criticising him]’ and Gabby said ‘People are different and how they process things differs’,” he added.
Despite this setback, the author said he persisted.
According to him, he sought other avenues by reaching out to the President’s lawyer, Ekow Essuman, who suggested that Otchere-Darko would be the best person to convince the President.
Returning to Mr Otchere-Darko, the investigative journalist said he was advised to send a letter to the President first.
However, given the timing and his looming deadline, he decided not to pursue this further.
He further noted that even though he was unable to speak directly with the President, he managed to conduct extensive interviews with other members of the government, which provided valuable insights.
Story by: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
