Government to support NMC to review mandate of GBC

Government is to assist efforts by the National Media Commission (NMC) to transform the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) into an effective Public Service broadcaster.

A Committee to be chaired by veteran journalist and former Information Minister, Elizabeth Ohene to review the mandate of GBC from a state-owned media to a proper public service broadcaster, has been formed but lack of funding has delayed the start of its work.

Chairman of the National Media Commission, Yaw Boadu Ayebaofoh, sought the assistance of government in reviewing the role of GBC when members of the NMC called on the President at Jubilee House.

President Akufo-Addo supported calls for GBC to be made an effective public service broadcaster that will not become a propaganda tool for any party in government.

The visit by the National Media Commission led by its Chairman, Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh, was to formally introduce the reconstituted body to the President after a year of appointment.

The Commission used the visit to discuss three pressing issues facing the Commission.

The first was the mandate of the State Broadcaster and the need to review it.

It is the opinion of the NMC that the country needs an effective public service broadcaster and GBC is well placed to carry out that mandate. It is for this reason that transformation of GBC as a State-owned media to a Public Service Broadcaster has been muted.

Mr Ayeboafoh appealed for assistance to settle the over GH¢25 million debt owed the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG).

President Akufo-Addo who is a strong admirer of public service broadcasting sighted countries like Britain and the USA, which have Public service broadcasters.

He said efforts should be made to review the mandate of GBC. This, he said, will make GBC a body independent and free from government machinations.

The NMC also discussed its role with the President and how lack of funding is affecting its work of ensuring free and responsible media.

Mr. Ayeboafoh described the NMC and NCCE as the orphans of all the Commissions. He also pointed out a possible power struggle over the appointment of Chief executives to state-owned media as a result of a new law governing the State Interest and Governance Authority, SIGA.