Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has raised concerns over what he describes as an inadequate budgetary allocation to his office, warning that the GH¢78 million earmarked for the year is insufficient to sustain critical operations.
Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, March 19, the minister stressed that the allocation falls short of meeting the financial needs of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), the Information Services Department (ISD), and the Ghana News Agency (GNA).
These agencies, he emphasized, are vital for government communication, public information dissemination, and media integrity.
“The three agencies under my supervision collectively employ 2,537 civil servants. It is these workers who have been allocated GH¢78 million for goods and services. Mr. Speaker, this is woefully inadequate,” Kwakye Ofosu stated.
He particularly highlighted GBC’s financial burden, revealing that the state broadcaster requires GH¢36 million alone to expand its operations to the six newly created regions.
Without adequate funding, he warned, the institution’s ability to function effectively would be severely hampered.
The minister’s concerns reignite debates over the financial sustainability of state-owned media and government information services, as stakeholders call for a review of the budget to ensure effective communication and national development.