By Gifty Boateng
Journalist and entrepreneur, Bridget Otoo has joined the John Dramani Mahama government at the presidency.
The former TV3 and Metro television broadcaster, has been appointed as a Presidential Staffer, designated at the office of the Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who is also the president spokesperson.
Ms Otoo, who is a known critic of the erstwhile New Patriotic Party (NPP) and once alleged that she left the Kanda based television in 2017 because of her seeming support for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), announced her appointment on Friday June 27.
She described her new role as an “honour” indicating it was “an incredible privilege that I intend to prove myself worthy of, for the duration of my service”.
In an appreciation post, she expressed her gratitude to the president, the First Lady Lordina Mahama, Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to the president, Joyce Bawa Mogtari among others.
Ahead of her appointment, the outspoken journalist who disclosed she has been unwell for some time, resigned from her last job at Metro television as a newscaster in May.
The ace journalist, who used her social media platforms especially X especially to strongly put the Akufo-Addo government on it toes, campaigned for the vice president Prof Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang to be selected as veep candidate for the 2024 general election.
She also joined demonstrations by pressure group Democracy Hub alias FixTheCountry, one of which she was bundled together with other protestors at the 37 Military Hospital area, to the Accra Regional Police Station, where she was assaulted allegedly by the police.
Using her social media platforms, expressed her disagreements with many of the previous government’s decisions including the erection of statue for the president at Sekondi where she comes from in the Western Region, the cancellation of New Forces’ event at the Independence Square, the former president’s “you don’t vote for me” comment when he visited flood victims at Mepe in the Volta Region and others.
Bridget Otoo is also a cement seller, serving as agent for Dzata Cement, an enterprise owned mogul, Ibrahim Mahama.
Read below an unedited statement issued by her announcing her appointment
So it begins….
On January 7, I awoke like most Ghanaians, jittery with anticipation and ready to witness the swearing-in of our new President – a President chosen in a historic landslide victory to reset the fates of our beloved country, Ghana.
After the preceding hard years supporting and campaigning for His Excellency, back when some thought it was too “riskey” to do so, I had always pictured the celebration and fanfare that would follow the victory in grand style but fate it seemed, had other plans and events would instead play out with me watching our victory lap from a hospital bed after what was meant to be a routine health checkup turned into a hospital admission spanning weeks.
My silver lining however was that I could experience it vicariously through my husband Van and his cousin Richard who were in attendance giving me live detailed updates that would rival the best news channels.
So, with all the faith and trust I have in the NDC government, I was deeply honoured to be considered for a role in helping shape its mandate, once I was back on my feet.
This appointment to serve at the Seat of Government as a ‘Presidential Staffer, Government Communications’, although earned on my part through grit, dedication and hard work, is still an incredible privilege that I intend to prove myself worthy of, for the duration of my service.
My heartfelt gratitude goes to:
– His Excellency the President and Her Excellency First Lady Lordina Mahama for their consideration as well as their constant check-ins.
– Presidential Advisor and Special Aide to the President Mrs. Joyce Bawa Mogtari, for making me her personal project.
– Deputy Chief of Staff, Stan Xoese Dogbe, a brother I could always count on.
-To my new Boss, Minister of Government communications Felix Kwakye Fosu, for welcoming me with such grace and support
– To the NDC grassroots supporters and foot soldiers ❤️
– And to all others, too numerous to name who have made this journey easier, more hopeful and ultimately worth it
Thank you.
Signed