BY: VALENTIA TETTEH
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Information and Communication has concluded a two-week familiarisation tour of key state institutions under its oversight, uncovering what it describes as disturbing levels of neglect, resource constraints, and operational failures across several agencies.
The tour followed an earlier workshop during which the institutions reported significant challenges to the Committee. The visit was therefore aimed at observing their day-to-day operations and verifying the concerns raised.
Chairperson of the Committee, Dr. Abed-Nego Bandim, commended the media for accompanying the team throughout the exercise, saying the tour was necessary to ensure effective parliamentary oversight over the Ministries of Information, and Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.
“We started about two weeks ago, and as you are aware, we have parliamentary oversight over two ministries, the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation,” he said.
At the Information Services Department (ISD), the Committee found staff working under difficult conditions, including areas without electricity due to reported electrical faults. Even more concerning was the poor preservation of the nation’s visual archives, some dating back to the pre-independence era.
“I thought that was very disturbing,” the Chairperson said, describing the state of the archives as a threat to Ghana’s historical memory.
The Committee also observed exposed cables and deplorable office infrastructure at the ISD, describing the situation as “disheartening” for an institution expected to lead Ghana’s information management in a digital era.
Similar concerns were raised at the Ghana News Agency (GNA), which shares office space with the ISD. The Agency was found to be operating without adequate transport, with vehicles procured as far back as 2007 having broken down and not been replaced.
“This is Accra, the head office. I can only imagine what is happening in the various regions and districts,” Dr. Bandim lamented.
At the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), the Committee noted that two studios had been shut down due to persistent electricity challenges. The Chairperson urged the Corporation to consider switching to solar energy as a sustainable solution despite the initial investment cost.
The Committee also pledged to appeal to the government for support to help GBC operationalise its 24-hour studios.
A major issue identified during the visit was the ongoing use of GBC infrastructure for the National Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) project without any corresponding revenue benefit to the Corporation. Out of 42 cell sites used by the DTT platform, 38 are owned by GBC.
To address this, the Committee plans to engage the Minister for Information, Felix Kwakye, and the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, to mediate discussions between GBC and the DTT management.
“We want both parties to sit and have a dialogue to see how they can meet each other halfway and pay where they have to pay so that no institution is disadvantaged,” Dr. Bandim stated.
Beyond the operational difficulties, the Committee Chair stressed that most of the sector’s challenges stem from outdated laws governing the agencies.
“All of this is centred on regulation. Some of the challenges these agencies face can be resolved with regulatory updates,” he said.
He expressed optimism that both ministers responsible for the sector are working to review the laws governing the agencies, some of which are 15 to 20 years old.
“I’m happy that the two ministers are working to review their laws. Without modern regulation, these agencies cannot function effectively,” he noted.
Dr. Bandim disclosed that some of the new legislative proposals will be laid before Parliament when the House reconvenes. The Committee is expected to be briefed on these bills ahead of their formal presentation to ensure informed debate and passage.
The oversight tour also covered the National Communications Authority (NCA), Ghana Domain Name Registry (GDNR), National Information Technology Agency (NITA), Postal and Courier Services Regulatory Commission (PCSRC), and the Data Protection Commission (DPC), Ghana Meteorological Agency, and other agencies under the committee’s watch.
Members of the delegation included Dan Abdul-Latif Vice-Chair of the committee and MP for Ablekuma Central, Charles Owiredu, MP for Abirem and Deputy Ranking Member; Alhassan Umar, MP for Zabzugu; Djabab Kofi Nelson, MP for Krachi East; Matthew Nyindan, Ranking Member, and MP for Kpandai, Thomas Worlanyo Tsekpo, Member of Parliament for Hohoe, Adama Sulemana, Member of Parliament for Tain, Anthony Mwinkaara Sumah, Member of Parliament for Nadowli/Kaleo and Misbahu Mahama Adams of Member of Parliament for Mion.
