President Akufo-Addo has directed the Communications Minister to suspend the DTT directive given to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC).
In a press release Thursday, the Director of Communications at the Office of the President, Eugene Arhin said the directive is "in connection with the reduction of GBC's channels on the DTT platform, pending further consultations with stakeholders.
![](https://www.myjoyonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/WhatsApp-Image-2020-07-23-at-09.47.04-791x1024.jpeg)
In a letter Wednesday, the National Media Commission (NMC) said moves by the Communications Ministry to reduce three of the six channels of the state broadcaster and Crystal TV on the platform is outside the Ministry’s remits.
Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo, Chairman of the NMC, said the Ministry is usurping its powers.
According to the Commission, the constitution mandates it “to promote and ensure the freedom and independence of the media for mass communication or information” and also “insulate the state-owned media from governmental control.”
Mr Boadu-Ayeboafo said any development that seeks to deprive the media of its use of resources legally allocated to them compromises their capacity to serve the country.
His comment comes after Prof. Amin Alhassan, the Director-General of the state broadcaster wrote to the NMC explaining that all six channels serve specific purposes, therefore, none can be taken off.
Giving a breakdown of their uses, he said all six channels are dedicated 24-hours channels with “specified focus reflecting the mandate of GBC as a State Broadcaster, a Public Service Broadcaster and a Commercial Broadcaster.”
The Minority in Parliament is up in arms against the Communications Ministry over its intention to close the channels.
The NDC legislators argue the notice to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation is wrong on many levels, one of them being the source of the notice.
Latest Stories
-
Paris 2024: Opening ceremony showcases grandiose celebration of French culture and diversity
3 hours -
How decline of Indian vultures led to 500,000 human deaths
4 hours -
Paris 2024: Ghana rocks ‘fabulous fugu’ at olympics opening ceremony
4 hours -
Trust Hospital faces financial strain with rising debt levels – Auditor-General’s report
5 hours -
Electrochem lease: Allocate portions of land to Songor people – Resident demand
5 hours -
82 widows receive financial aid from Chayil Foundation
5 hours -
The silent struggles: Female journalists grapple with Ghana’s high cost of living
5 hours -
BoG yet to make any payment to Service Ghana Auto Group
5 hours -
‘Crushed Young’: The Multimedia Group, JL Properties surprise accident victim’s family with fully-furnished apartment
6 hours -
Asante Kotoko needs structure that would outlive any administration – Opoku Nti
6 hours -
JoyNews exposé on Customs officials demanding bribes airs on July 29
7 hours -
JoyNews Impact Maker Awardee ships first consignment of honey from Kwahu Afram Plains
8 hours -
Joint committee under fire over report on salt mining lease granted Electrochem
8 hours -
Life Lounge with Edem Knight-Tay: Don’t be beaten the third time
8 hours -
Pro-NPP group launched to help ‘Break the 8’
8 hours