By Isaac Ato MENSAH
Accra – 11 January, 2019
Otis Sanford, a professor, writer and political analyst for forty years was this week named 2018 Communicator of the Year by the Memphis Chapter of Public Relations Society of America.
Sanford began his professional journalism career at The Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi.
In August 1977, he covered the death of pop musician Elvis Presley.
Sanford’s long career as a practising journalist and editor was enhanced by his work as a university professor.
He is a recognised speaker on ethics.
In short writing is the name of Sandford’s game; he is not our typical Ghanaian social commentator.
Sanford has a large cache of written analysis to his credit.
But how can you write if you do not read?
Only those who are widely read and have a good grounding in the relevant issues will dare to put pen to paper.
President Bill Clinton is reputed to have had time to read novels regularly even when he was in the White House.
Said Clinton at the launch of the book The President is Missing which he co-authored with James Patterson, ‘I was in politics a long time. It’s the only profession where people are surprised that you know anything….You wouldn’t go to a doctor who doesn’t know the difference between a liver and a lung.’
Is that assessment true of Ghanaian politicians, journalists and our perception of them?
‘Do you want to say something or you have something to say,’ my grandfather shared some staff meeting experiences with me when someone was cautioned before being allowed to speak.
My grandfather was simply saying that think before you talk.
And what will my mentor say, ‘Don’t just think, know’.
In fact given what we have been reading and hearing through the media, it is clear that our leaders in business and politics say a lot of “foolish things” – things that demonstrate that they are ill-advised or ill-informed or plain ignorant.
But should we blame their speech writers or the speakers themselves or both?
How did Bill Clinton make time to read in the White House?
Well, we can all choose what our priorities are.
Are you going to lead or take important decisions with a fund of knowledge that is rapidly diminishing in a world bursting with data, analysis and information?
That is exactly what will happen if leaders and policy makers do not read.
Writing of course is unique because it helps and forces us to think logically and convey our thoughts in a coherent manner; it puts us on the record.
And ghanaians hate it; they would much rather you speak if you have to and NEVER ever want to write or HAVE to write.
At assignment during the Pre-Vas TV newsroom training, many persons were shocked when I told them I do not watch TV.
I mean I only get to see what is on telly when I walk into some shopping mall or office.
There is too much rattle prattle on Ghanaian radio and TV, if we care to admit; very little solid analysis of issues.
Of course, very few of the “talking heads” write anything worth reading.
And the reasons should be obvious.
In Sanford, we congratulate the PRSA for recognising public relations excellence.
We will love to see videos and pictures from Thursday’s monthly luncheon since we are certain there are several teaching points on……organisation, comportment, dressing etc.
These could all impact positively on PR practice in Ghana.
Otis Sanford never felt a gag even in Tennessee; so who can dare attempt to gag us right here in Ghana?
Feedback; [email protected].
Writers and Shakespeares Ghana Limited exists to be a moral and intellectual guide to the best practice of PR and integrated communications around the world, beginning with Ghana.