In a recent development, Ghana's Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, has vehemently denied accusations of plagiarism leveled against her following her address to Parliament regarding internet service disruptions. The allegations were brought forward by Tamale Central Member of Parliament, Ibrahim Murtala Mohammed, during a parliamentary session.
During an interview on Accra-based Peace FM, Minister Owusu-Ekuful directly addressed the claims made by MP Mohammed, asserting that they lacked substance. She firmly stated that her parliamentary address was meticulously crafted, drawing upon extensive research and consultations with stakeholders within the telecommunications industry.
The accusations stemmed from Mr. Mohammed's assertion that Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful's speech closely mirrored one delivered by Nigeria's Ministry of Communication. However, the Minister brushed off these claims, emphasizing that her speech was the result of thorough preparation and was not plagiarized.
“I went to Parliament to address the House about the recent cut in our internet services, and after my speech, one MP accused me of plagiarizing my speech from Nigeria. But I realized in the moment that he did not know what he was saying, and so it was not necessary for me to respond to him. Sometimes we have to overlook certain things,” she stated.
Minister Owusu-Ekuful's response reflects her confidence in the integrity of her parliamentary address and her commitment to addressing critical issues affecting Ghana's telecommunications sector. Despite the accusations, she remains steadfast in her dedication to serving the nation and ensuring the delivery of reliable internet services to its citizens.
The incident underscores the importance of thorough research and preparation in parliamentary proceedings, as well as the need for constructive dialogue among members of the legislative body. As Ghana continues to navigate challenges in its digital landscape, Minister Owusu-Ekuful's leadership and expertise will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the country's digital future.
The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations, but Minister Owusu-Ekuful's denial stands as a firm rebuttal to the accusations of plagiarism.
