BY Grace Zigah
Ghanaian satirist and talk-show host Kwaku Sintim-Misa (KSM) has strongly rejected claims that his advocacy for nation-building is being financed by the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC), insisting that his work is driven by personal conviction rather than financial reward.
KSM said people committed to Ghana’s development should not automatically be assumed to be receiving money from political interests simply because they openly discuss national issues or advocate for the country.
Speaking on his programme, he expressed disappointment that some people, including individuals he considered educated and intelligent, had either entertained or repeated suggestions that he was financially benefiting from certain quarters because of his advocacy.
“Sometimes people don’t understand those of us who are looking for nation-building. People think it’s a money issue,” he said.
According to the veteran broadcaster, genuine commitment to national development can involve personal sacrifice, adding that people should not expect every individual contributing to the country’s progress to be motivated by money.
“I would have thought your education and your level of intelligence would let you know that there are people who understand the sacrifice that they should make for this nation,” he said.
He added: “Trust me, when you’re sacrificing, you’re not begging for money.”
‘We are not on anybody’s payroll’
KSM was particularly emphatic in dismissing suggestions that his continued discussions on nation-building were being funded by the NDC government or another undisclosed interest.
“We are not here every day to flap and talk about building Ghana because we are on payroll,” he stated.
He challenged anyone making such allegations to provide evidence, asking:
“Whose payroll? Please. Give us a little respect.”
KSM clarified that his comments were directed at the people who had made or believed the allegations, while acknowledging that many of his listeners understood the motivation behind his work.
“I know most of you do, so I’m not talking to you. I’m sorry. I’m talking to the few ones out there who think that… Please, nothing of that sort has happened and nothing of that sort will ever happen,” he said.
KSM also cited the experience of his producer as an example of what he described as commitment to building something in Ghana without expecting financial rewards from external interests.
He said his producer had previously considered opportunities in Canada but eventually decided to remain in Ghana and work with him on developing the programme.
According to KSM, the producer encouraged him to revive his earlier talk-show concept and concentrate on creating something meaningful locally.
“He says he’d rather stay here; let’s work together and build,” KSM recounted.
“And we’re very confident that something will come out of this,” he added.
