Accra: Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Minister of State for Government Communications, has announced that the government will work with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and other relevant agencies to facilitate tax exemptions for various state media organizations, including Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Daily Graphic, and Ghana News Agency. This initiative aims to support these media organizations in importing essential equipment such as FM transmitters to enhance their operations.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr Kwakye Ofosu, who is also the Government Spokesperson, made this declaration on the floor of Parliament. He was responding to questions from legislators regarding the government’s plans to enhance the efficiency of GBC. He highlighted that GBC needs GHc36 million to establish six new radio stations in the newly created regions. The proposed tax exemptions would enable GBC to import the necessary FM transmitters to set up these stations.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu further indicated that the Office of the Chief of State is spearheading efforts to ensure that these tax waivers are granted. Additionally, he mentioned that the Office of the Chief of Staff is actively working to resolve GBC’s outstanding electricity bills, amounting to GHc18.8 million, owed to the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) and Northern Electricity Company (NEDCo).
The Minister suggested that GBC could address its challenges by leveraging its assets through strategic negotiations, which would help raise funds to revamp its operations. He assured full government support to GBC and other state media outlets, emphasizing the importance of their role in promoting media freedom and independence in the country.