Read also:
- Woman died after intervening in dogs’ nugget fight
- South Africa’s top diplomat in France found dead near Paris hotel
- Hamas military leader in Gaza objects to ceasefire plan, BBC understands
- The Cardi B and Nicki Minaj beef is back on
- 21 Judges Take Oath as Court of Appeal Justices
The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has called for strong national advocacy to secure a sustainable source of funding for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) by dedicating a percentage of taxes to the state broadcaster. This appeal was made during an X Space conversation with GBC’s Director-General, Prof. Amin Alhassan, where they discussed ways to support the corporation in fulfilling its national mandate.
Dr. Amoakohene emphasized that GBC plays a vital role in providing education, information, and platforms for grooming talent, but the institution faces financial challenges due to inconsistent funding.
To address this challenge, Dr. Amoakohene suggested that a mandatory funding model tied to existing taxes would ensure GBC receives the necessary resources to operate effectively. He proposed that the government allocate at least 0.5% or even 1% of national taxes to GBC, which would guarantee stable funding and enable the corporation to deliver quality programs.
Dr. Amoakohene also recommended that every government institution budgeting for publicity or media coverage should set aside a quota for GBC, given its coverage of most state events. This would not only provide financial support but also ensure that GBC continues to play its role in promoting government programs and activities.
Furthermore, Dr. Amoakohene proposed that GBC could collaborate with the Youth Employment Agency to train and recruit young people as reporters, video editors, and technicians. This initiative would address unemployment while boosting GBC’s manpower needs, ultimately contributing to the development of the media industry.
Dr. Amoakohene highlighted the importance of leadership support, suggesting that President John Dramani Mahama, a communication expert, should be engaged directly to ensure government support for GBC in the upcoming national budget. With stable funding, GBC will be better positioned to meet the expectations of the Ghanaian public. “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.
