MDF: I'll Consult The Various Stakeholders - Prez Mahama

Government in 2011 announced the establishment of a Media Development Fund (MDF) in its budget statement presented in Parliament. Despite the many promises and hope that met the announcement of the fund, managing it has rather become controversial; especially as disbursement and usage of the GHC 1 million MDF has become a challenge. Information and Media Relations Minister, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, in answer to a question in parliament indicated that the GHC 1 million was used to purchase laptops for journalists. Even though according to government, the laptops have been distributed to various media outlets in the country, some still insist they have not received �any laptop�. Many have even wondered if it was appropriate to use the GHC1 million to purchase laptops. One would have thought looking at how far the issue was debated and the hullabaloo surrounding it, President, John Dramani Mahama would be in the know. However, he told journalists Tuesday during a press meeting that he was not privy to discussions surrounding the MDF but gave assurance of getting to the roots of it. According to him, he will consult the various stakeholders: Information and Media Relations Minister, National Media Commission and others to find out what had gone wrong with the disbursement of MDF and put things right. �I am not appraised with the details�my intention is to meet with the Minister of Information, the National Media Commission (NMC) and the groups involved to know exactly what transpired and also make arrangements for the future� he said.