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Withdraw request for GBC to abandon 3 channels on DTT platform – GJA
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) yesterday called for the immediate withdrawal of the directive, requesting the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to abandon three of its six channels on the Digital Terrestrial Television (DDT) platform.
In a statement issued by the association in Accra on Monday, July 20 and signed by the president of GJA, Mr Roland Affail Monney, it said that, the directive contravenes constitutional provisions and would endanger the activities of the station.
“It is the view of the GJA that the directive will significantly impact on the operations of the GBC and amount to interference by government in the work of the state owned media,” the statement said.
“This is against the provisions of Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution,” it added.
The directive by the Communications Minister has the potential of curtailing the operations of media houses, particularly a state owned media, which the constitution has specifically asked to be insulated from governmental control by a constitutional body.
The mother body for journalists in the country, GJA has therefore, demanded that the directive by the Ministry of Communications to GBC and other media houses on their channels on the DTT platform be brought to a halt with immediate effect.
Accordingly, the GJA has called on the National Media Commission (NMC) and all relevant stakeholders to ensure all concerns over the DDT platform be ironed out.
Meanwhile, the GJA has also urged for a long term solution to this and any other issues confronting the highly sensitive media industry is for Ghana to attach utmost urgency to the enactment of a broadcasting law.
In the manner, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has also raised concern over the same directive by the Minister of Communications, and called on President Akufo-Addo to revoke the order should the sector minster fail to do so.
In a press release by the foundation copied to the Ghanaian Times, the foundation mentioned that, instruction by the minister contravenes constitutional and regulatory provisions on the autonomy of the state broadcaster and also undermines media pluralism.
“The foundation also stated that, the directive was counterproductive, as the president has relied on the GBC channels in delivering his periodic updates on the country’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic,” the statement said.
The foundation has since called on the regulator of the Ghanaian media landscape, the NMC to expedite efforts in ensuring that, the state broadcaster is insulated from any form of control.
“We also call on the NMC to assert its constitutional responsibility of insulating the state broadcaster from governmental interference and control,” the statement mentioned.
The Communications Minister, Mrs Owusu-Ekuful in a letter dated June 26, 2020, addressed to the Director General, Professor Amin Alhassan, asked the state broadcaster to reduce its six digital channels to three.
BY TIMES REPORTER
News
President Mahama confers with Niger Head of State
President John Mahama continued his visit to West African states in pursuit of Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of good neighbourliness.
On Sunday, he travelled to Niamey, Niger to hold talks with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
The two leaders held closed-door meetings and later an expanded bilateral meeting with their delegations in the presidential palace.
A communique issued after the engagements confirmed that discussions focused on enhanced security cooperation in the Sahel and West African region to combat terrorism, improved and unimpeded trade between the two countries, and strengthening bilateral ties.
President Tchiani raised the need for collaboration and recognition of the Alliance of Sahel States by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with President Mahama emphasising the need for greater collaboration to fight terrorism, which threatens not only the Sahel region but also countries further down towards the coast.
Mr Mahama used the occasion to thank his Nigerien counterpart for sending a delegation to his inauguration on January 7, 2025, noting that Ghana and Niger have for many decades cooperated in the areas of trade as Ghana imports many agricultural products from Niger.
News
Stonebwoy’s electrifying London concert : A Story of Resilience and Triumph
London came alive as one of Ghana’s finest musical exports, Stonebwoy rocked thousands at the Up and Running Tour concert held at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
The show opened with Stonebwoy emerging in silhouette form, standing atop a riser.
The shadowed figure created an air of mystery, leaving the crowd eager to see the man behind the shape.
As the opening notes of his song “Hero” filled the venue, the lights dramatically revealed him now fully visible — wearing a striking ensemble that told a deeper story.
Stonebwoy’s attire was no accident he wore a tattered jacket, Rick Owens pants and Balenciaga footwear adorned with chains.This look wasn’t just fashion; it symbolized resilience.
The torn clothes represented the negativity, criticism, and adversity he’s faced as a visual metaphor for the attempts to tear him down.
The chains further amplified this, reflecting the weight of judgment and challenges placed upon him.
Despite it all, there he stood proud, powerful, and still standing tall as a hero for his people.
The transition into up and running set:
In a powerful shift, Stonebwoy’s second set began from the upper level of the crowd, this time dressed in pristine white.
This transition was a statement no matter how much negativity is thrown his way, no matter how hard people try to break him, he remains true to his purpose: uplifting and inspiring his fans.
His presence among the crowd symbolized his unwavering connection to the people, a reminder that his journey, his struggles, and his triumphs are all for them.
