By Ashiadey Dotse
President John Dramani Mahama has called for a major reform of Ghana’s TV licence law, stating that, TV license payments can be transformed into a proper public broadcasting levy to provide stable funding for Public Service Broadcasting in Ghana.
He made this announcement during his historic visit to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Thursday, January 8, 2026.
President Mahama said the state of public service broadcasting is a concern because it remains key to National Development and cannot be ceded to commercial broadcasters.
He explained that the government’s concerns about strengthening public service broadcasting is one of the reasons that led him to personally visit GBC, to assess its challenges and operations.
He explained that discussions about public media had come up several times at Cabinet, prompting his decision to see things first-hand.
According to the President, GBC has over the years, played an important role in national development. For instance, by broadcasting in many local languages, GBC made it possible to reach people in every part of the country.
He noted that, unlike entertainment-focused content that attracts advertising revenue, GBC often produces public education programmes for farmers and rural communities, which are essential but not commercially attractive.
The President also indicated that GBC must continue to do public education, stressing that public service broadcasting should not be judged only by how much money it makes.
To address funding challenges, the President said the government is considering a new financing model for public service broadcasting. Central to this plan is the amendment of the existing TV license law to transform it into a public service broadcast levy that can raise more funds to support institutions like GBC.
He explained that before any amendment is sent to Parliament, government will consult widely and consider proposals from GBC and other stakeholders to ensure the levy is fair and effective.
President Mahama also expressed confidence in GBC’s ability to modernise, pointing to its assets, including prime properties in Accra, which he said could be leveraged to build a more modern broadcaster fit for today’s media environment.
On governance and regulation, the President revealed that government is reviewing the 1992 Constitution, particularly Chapter 12, which deals with the media. He said the aim is to create a better working environment for the media in general, with emphasis on a thriving Public Service Broadcasting environment. He noted that, it will be done in collaboration with all stakeholders, including the National Media Commission.
Touching on GBC’s financial difficulties, President Mahama said legacy debts would be ring-fenced so they do not continue to weigh down the corporation. He added that steps would be taken, through the Office of the Chief of Staff, to find funds to clear those debts.
He also welcomed efforts by GBC to reduce operational costs, including the introduction of solar power to cut electricity expenses.
President Mahama further called for a review of GBC’s management structure, noting that an organogram that is more than 60 years old needs serious updating to meet current demands.
The President ended his visit by commending the staff of GBC for their dedication under difficult conditions and wished them a happy new year, assuring them of government’s commitment to strengthening public media in Ghana.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com
