We’re not aware of sale of GBC channels – Gov’t

Government has said that it is not aware of the alleged sale of channels of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to private entities.

The Deputy Minister for Information, Pius Hadzide said the government is not privy to the said development.

According to him, the government has not given approval for any such transaction.

“Government has not, as far as I am aware, given any approval for the disposal of any asset at GBC. We are not aware of the alleged sale. When it comes to management and editorial discretions of the national broadcaster, the government has its limitations,” the Deputy Minister said.

There is tension brewing at the state broadcaster following allegations of sale of some of the broadcaster’s channels to some private companies against top management of the media organization.

Staff Union of GBC on Monday staged a protest over the matter.

They among other things raised concerns that staff were going to lose their jobs and that the privatizing process was not lawful.

The union alleged that the management of GBC is planning on selling GTV Govern, GTV Sports Plus and Obonu TV.

The union hoisted red flags and tied red cloth on some trees to protest the alleged decision.

There are reports that the workers have petitioned the National Media Commission (NMC) to immediately sack some management members for their roles in the alleged sale of channels to a private investor.

Some management members, the workers want the NMC to take action against are Augustus Yamson, acting Director-General, John Kwame Waja, Director of Legal Resource and Ebenezer Ampaabeng, Deputy Director of TV.

“GBC management did not indicate or announce publicly or invite other well-meaning Ghanaians who may have also been interested in reaching an agreement with GBC to the same effect to apply for tender,” excepts of the petition stated.

According to the petition, the processes leading to the selection of the buyer were shrouded in secrecy, adding that the management allegedly reached a US$400,000 agreement with KBL to use the GTV Govern channel before informing the Board Sub-Committee on programmes.