Abstract:
The challenge of effective management and dissemination of information has been a colonial
legacy bequeathed to post-independence governments. Under Ghana’s current constitutional
representative democracy, communication is neither monopolistic nor hegemonic but two-way, with
feedback considered paramount. The requirements of accountability, transparency and participation in
democratic governance underscore the importance of information flow from governments and feedback
from the public. Tracking ministerial reshuffles and two incidents in 2009, the paper demonstrates that the
Information Ministry bears the brunt of such changes with ministers blamed for poor government
information management. The article examines the educational and professional backgrounds of
Ministers of Information arguing that government information management is neither journalism nor job-
for-whomsoever. It is professional public relations work and appointments should reflect this fact.