By Ashiadey Dotse
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has called for strong national advocacy to dedicate a percentage of taxes to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) as a sustainable source of funding for the state broadcaster.
Dr. Amoakohene made the appeal during an X Space conversation with the Director-General of GBC, Prof. Amin Alhassan, where discussions focused on how best to support the corporation in fulfilling its national mandate.
According to him, GBC plays a vital role in providing education, information, and platforms for grooming talent, but the institution continues to face financial challenges due to inconsistent funding. He argued that just as Ghana has created special levies for education, communication services, and even COVID-19, the time has come for similar support for the state broadcaster.
“There is a need to make a strong case for GBC. Other countries dedicate a percentage of VAT or tie broadcasting fees to utility bills to support their national broadcasters. We can also allocate at least 0.5% or even 1% of national taxes to GBC. That will guarantee stable funding,” Dr. Amoakohene stressed.
The Minister explained that voluntary payment of TV license fees has proven difficult, as citizens decide whether or not to contribute. He suggested that incorporating a mandatory funding model tied to existing taxes would ensure that GBC receives the necessary resources to operate effectively.
He further recommended that every government institution budgeting for publicity or media coverage should set aside a quota for GBC since the corporation provides coverage for most state events.
Dr. Amoakohene also proposed that GBC could collaborate with the Youth Employment Agency to train and recruit young people as reporters, video editors, and technicians, thereby addressing unemployment while boosting GBC’s manpower needs.
Highlighting the importance of leadership support, he pointed out that President John Dramani Mahama, being a communication expert, understands the value of a strong state broadcaster and should be engaged directly to ensure government support for GBC in the upcoming national budget.
“Once the financial challenges are resolved, GBC will be in a better position to deliver quality programs and meet the expectations of the Ghanaian public,” he concluded.
