Mahama Proposes Public Media Levy to Replace TV Licence
President says reforms will strengthen funding for public broadcasters
- President Mahama announced plans to replace Ghana’s TV licence with a public media levy to boost funding for public broadcasters
- Cabinet is reviewing the proposed reforms and will consult stakeholders, including GBC, before presenting amendments to Parliament
- The new levy aims to provide broader revenue support, enabling public media institutions to operate more efficiently
President John Dramani Mahama has revealed that the government is reviewing reforms to Ghana’s TV licence law, with plans to submit proposed amendments to Parliament.
Speaking during a visit to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Thursday, January 8, President Mahama said the Cabinet is exploring ways to replace the current TV licence with a public media levy, aimed at improving funding for public media institutions.
“There are a few suggestions regarding the so-called TV licence, and our thinking is moving toward amending the law to make it a public media levy of some sort,” he explained.
The proposed levy, he noted, would have a broader scope to increase revenue, enabling the government to provide more effective support to public broadcasters and enhance their operations.
President Mahama further stated that once Cabinet deliberations are concluded, the government will consult key stakeholders, including GBC, before taking the amendments to Parliament.
“When we’re ready, we’ll discuss with you what our thinking is before we finally go to Parliament and amend the law,” he said.
He expressed confidence that the reforms would boost funding for public media, allowing institutions like GBC to operate more efficiently and fulfil their mandate.
“I’m sure that with some of the suggestions we’ve received, you’ll be able to raise the amount of funding it brings in and make it better able to do your work,” the President added.
