‘God Forbid, No One Can Pay Us’ – KSM

Ghanaian satirist and talk-show host Kwaku Sintim-Misa, popularly known as KSM, has rejected claims that his advocacy for national development is financially backed by the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government. KSM said his involvement in discussions and initiatives aimed at promoting nation-building was motivated by a personal commitment to Ghana’s progress rather than financial inducement from the government or any political interest.

He described suggestions that he was operating on someone’s payroll as unfair and urged those making such claims to respect citizens who willingly make sacrifices in the interest of the country. “Sometimes people don’t understand those of us who are looking for nation-building. People think it’s a money issue,” he said. Speaking on his programme, KSM expressed particular disappointment that some educated and accomplished individuals had entertained or repeated claims that his advocacy was financially motivated. He argued that commitment to national development could require individuals to contribute their time, resources and expertise without expecting payment. “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. “Trust me, when you’re sacrificing, you’re not begging for money.”

KSM was particularly emphatic in dismissing suggestions that his regular discussions on Ghana’s development were being funded by an undisclosed individual, organisation or government. “We are not here every day to flap and talk about building Ghana because we are on payroll,” he said. He challenged anyone making such allegations to provide evidence, questioning which supposed payroll he was receiving money from. “Whose payroll? Please. Give us a little respect,” he said.

KSM clarified that his comments were directed at the few people who believed or propagated such allegations and not at the wider audience that understood the motivation behind his work. He insisted that neither he nor those working with him had undertaken the programme with the expectation of receiving financial rewards from political actors. “I know most of you do, so I’m not talking to you,” he said, referring to people who understood his motivation. He added that the alleged financial arrangement “has never” existed and would not become the basis of his advocacy.

KSM also cited the decision of his producer to remain in Ghana rather than pursue opportunities abroad as an example of the personal sacrifices he said could be made in pursuit of nation-building. According to him, the producer had previously considered opportunities in Canada but ultimately chose to remain in Ghana and collaborate with him on developing the programme. KSM said his producer encouraged him to revive his earlier talk-show concept and use the platform to contribute to the country’s development. He recounted the producer’s position as essentially being that they should remain in Ghana, work together and build something that could have a meaningful impact. “And we’re very confident that something will come out of this,” KSM said.

He said the decision reinforced his view that people could choose to invest their abilities and energies in Ghana without being driven by immediate financial gain. KSM said he considered it necessary to address the allegations before proceeding with his programme in order to make his position clear. He maintained that financial inducement had never been the agenda behind his advocacy and that his focus remained on contributing to national development.

By: Joyce Owusu