The Chairman of Parliament’s Information and Communication Committee, Abednego Bandim Azumah, says state-owned media institutions such as the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Ghana News Agency (GNA), and the Information Services Department (ISD) have the potential to be self-sustaining if given the right leadership and support.
Speaking on the Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, September 14, the Member of Parliament for Bunkpurugu emphasised that while financial and infrastructural challenges persist, stronger leadership and strategic reforms could reduce the agencies’ reliance on government funding.
“These agencies — GBC, GNA, and the ISD — can be self-sustained if they have the required leadership, because in other jurisdictions, we have their colleagues that don’t depend so much on government but are able to raise their own funds,” he said.
He noted that the Committee would meet with the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu who, according to him, is already aware of some of the challenges and has proposed preliminary solutions.
“He is aware of the challenges over there and was able to even suggest some solutions to that effect, so we will meet with him and we would want him to take on board reforming the various agencies,” Mr. Bandim added.
His comments come at a time when all three state agencies are facing serious operational and financial constraints:
GBC has been forced to shut down two studios due to rising electricity costs, reportedly spending over GHS100,000 per week on power. The broadcaster has migrated part of its operations to solar power but says it still needs government and donor support to remain operational.
The Ghana News Agency is struggling with a high staff attrition rate after delays in government subventions left journalists unpaid for coverage costs from the previous year. Journalists reportedly receive an out-of-station allowance of only GHS280, which management says is insufficient for field assignments.
The Information Services Department, once a key tool for public education, is now grappling with decades-old infrastructure, outdated tools, and limited mobility, with fewer than 30 vehicles nationwide. Its audiovisual archives — containing Ghana’s historical records — are also at risk due to poor storage conditions and a lack of digitisation.
All three agencies have appealed to the government for urgent intervention to improve operations, preserve staff morale, and protect their long-standing roles in national communication and development.
