It is no secret that I remain one of the consistent critics of Paul Adom-Otchere. Many agree that I have been right on most occasions when I called him out, while others assume I do it out of dislike. The truth, however, is different.
I don’t spend my energy talking about people I hate. In fact, I can hardly pinpoint a single person I genuinely hate. My approach has always been to separate the individual from the issue. That is why my criticisms are never personal attacks, nor do I question someone’s competence. Publicly questioning professional competence is akin to taking food from a person’s table, and I find no value in that. Instead, I deal with the issues as they arise. Even the worst people in public life contribute something good, and it is on those issues that I focus.
Why I Criticize Paul Adom-Otchere
When it comes to Paul, my criticisms come from a place of respect. I rate him highly. Paul is undoubtedly a super journalist, but one who often struggles to separate personal preference from professional duty.
This was not always the case. Some of us have been watching Good Evening Ghana for nearly two decades. It was the go-to current affairs show in the country. I would watch it at night and still catch the repeat the next morning. My frustration with Paul stems from the fact that I know what he is capable of. I have seen him apply the highest journalistic standards before, and I know he understands the ethical obligations of the profession.
A Lesson in Emotional Intelligence
That is why I must commend him for a recent display of composure and class. On Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana, Paul was on the panel when Kwesi Ahwoi called into the show and lambasted him. Mr. Ahwoi even went as far as revealing what should have remained private conversations.
Paul could have chosen to go berserk, deny everything, call Mr. Ahwoi a liar, and defend himself aggressively. Instead, he navigated the situation with grace. He admitted their friendship, acknowledged their periodic visits, and calmly noted that he did not recall the alleged incident. Whether Paul genuinely could not remember, or whether Mr. Ahwoi misrepresented the exchange, Paul’s handling of the moment was impressive.
In the end, he made his point without destroying the friendship. They even exchanged pleasantries, and both men left with their reputations intact.
Journalism Requires Strength of Character
True journalism is not for the mentally or emotionally weak. It demands the ability to remove oneself from the heat of an issue and focus on the facts. Unfortunately, what we see more often today are individuals who use insult and aggression to climb the career ladder—tactics far removed from the professional ethics that once defined journalism.
Paul may be biased, overly partisan, or even mischievous, but he shows class in how he presents his views. Unlike others, he does not resort to crude language or raw insults. He exercises commendable emotional intelligence and self-control.
Strength Lies in Control, Not Aggression
Too many people mistake aggression for strength, thinking that the ability to “go raw” is a sign of courage. They are wrong. Real strength is the ability to control urges, to resist the inclination to respond in kind, and to rise above the noise.
Paul Adom-Otchere exemplifies this strength. Even when bias is evident, he makes it about the issue rather than descending into needless aggression. That is why, despite my criticisms, I can acknowledge his style—bias with class.
