The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC), Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, has criticized the intention of Parliament to establish and run its own television station, labeling it as a misplaced priority and a waste of financial resources, graphic.com.gh.

According to him, the state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) already has the capacity and skilled personnel to handle parliamentary broadcasts, making the creation of a new TV station unnecessary.

Instead, he suggested that GBC be given the necessary financial support to create a dedicated channel for Parliament’s activities, without the need for additional recruitment.

“Some of us wonder how Parliament can justify setting up its broadcasting station when GBC, a public service broadcaster, already exists. What’s needed is capital to acquire the necessary equipment and better compensate the existing human resources to enhance their service delivery,” Boadu-Ayeboafoh stated.

He added that improving GBC’s resources would benefit everyone, as it would also address the poor remuneration currently affecting the staff.

Boadu-Ayeboafoh made these comments while inaugurating a new board for GBC at its headquarters in Accra on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.

The newly-inaugurated board, chaired by Samuel Kojo Intsiaba, includes members Tanoh Debrah, Francis Dadzie, Peter Djakwah, Ama Serwa N-T, Thomas Broni, Adjei Afriyie Nketia, Bishop Raymond Kumah Acquah, and GBC’s Director-General, Prof. Amin Alhassan.

Boadu-Ayeboafoh further pointed out that GBC currently lacks a physical presence in three regions of the country.

He argued that the funds Parliament would use to set up its broadcasting station could be better utilized to expand GBC’s services to these regions, ensuring nationwide coverage.

“If Parliament were to set up its broadcasting station, it would need to ensure that it reaches every corner of the country,” he said.

He emphasized that the cost of establishing a new TV station for Parliament would far exceed the funds needed to expand GBC’s reach across the country.

The NMC chairman also commended GBC’s staff and management for maintaining industrial harmony under successive boards.

He urged the workers to handle internal issues through due process and avoid deviating from established procedures for resolving problems.

Boadu-Ayeboafoh also challenged the new board to bring their expertise to bear on GBC’s management to enhance the corporation’s performance by the end of their tenure.

Prof. Samuel Debrah, the outgoing Board Chairman, praised past leadership for restoring GBC’s corporate pride, improving professionalism, and fostering a harmonious working environment.

In response, the new board chairman, Samuel Kojo Intsiaba assured that the board will collaborate with management to introduce solar energy to power GBC, retool its studios and transmission sites, and support the corporation’s transition from analog to digital broadcasting.

NAY/AE

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