The official Government of Ghana Presidency domain, www.presidency.gov.gh, has reportedly been redirected to President John Dramani Mahama’s campaign website, www.johnmahama.org. This move has ignited a public uproar, with security analysts and governance experts pointing to serious breaches of protocol and potential national security risks.
This issue was brought to light by Oliver Barker-Vormawor, Esq., a renowned activist and co-convener of the #FixTheCountry movement. In a Facebook post that has garnered over 10,000 engagements, Barker-Vormawor expressed grave concerns about the implications of the redirect, labeling it a violation of administrative norms and a threat to Ghana’s Critical National Information Infrastructure (CNII).
Key Points from Barker-Vormawor’s Post
- Administrative Impropriety: He noted that the Presidency’s domain is a national asset, not a partisan tool, and any decision to redirect it undermines the neutrality and sanctity of public governance.
- National Security Concerns: Barker-Vormawor emphasized the risks of exposing critical digital infrastructure to potential cyber vulnerabilities, highlighting the lack of due diligence in approving such actions.
- Lack of Legal Oversight: He underscored the absence of consultation with the Office of the Legal Counsel to the President, drawing comparisons to previous administrations where decisions were triple-checked for compliance.
“This couldn’t have been done without someone having access to the backend of the Government domain and a sign-off by someone who should have known better,” he stated.
Public and Expert Reactions
The incident has triggered widespread criticism and calls for immediate corrective action: 
- Security Analysts: Experts warn that such lapses in domain management could compromise the integrity of government communications, urging a full audit of backend access protocols.
- Public Sentiment: Many citizens have taken to social media to express disappointment, demanding accountability and swift rectification.
One user commented, “This is not just an oversight; it’s a breach of public trust. The Presidency must remain non-partisan.”
Government Response
While no official statement has been issued yet, activists and governance experts, including Barker-Vormawor, are demanding:
- Immediate Restoration: Redirecting www.presidency.gov.gh to its rightful domain.
- Investigation: A comprehensive inquiry into how and why this decision was made.
- Public Apology: A formal acknowledgment of the error and assurance of preventive measures.
Looking Ahead
As President Mahama’s administration begins its tenure, this incident underscores the need for vigilance in protecting critical national assets and adhering to administrative protocols. Governance experts emphasize that early missteps could erode public confidence, urging the new government to prioritize transparency and accountability in its operations.
