Payment of TV License Fee Is A Civic Responsibility - Major Albert Don-Chebe

Director of GBC, Major Albert Don-Chebe (Rtd)

The Director General of GBC, Major Albert Don-Chebe says television license fee is a component of the funding model for the state broadcaster.

It has therefore become imperative for Ghanaians to pay the revised TV license fee as a civic responsibility.

He noted that since the suspension of the payment in the early 1990's, the fee has seen no review until December last year when it was revised after stakeholder consultations.

The revised fee the DG notes is now adequate and has the potential of cushioning GBC to reflect the purpose for which it was established.

He said if GBC is able to collect 50 percent of the fee as its potential revenue, it will provide enough funding for its operations.

This way, GBC will not only bring quality and refined programmes to its listening and viewing public but also provide an avenue for corporation to build on its infrastructure and other incentives for staff.

The Director General was speaking in an interview with Osman Muntawakilu, on GBC URA Radio in Bolgatanga.

Speaking at a forum in Accra organised by the Graphic Communications Group Limited on the payment of TV licence, The Director of Newspapers at Graphic Communications Group Limited, Yaw Boadu Ayeboafoh also says that the obligation to pay TV licence fee is not a matter for public debate.

He said the law is already established and until it is amended or revoked, Ghanaians should be law abiding and open to the idea, because Ghana is a democratic state and must respect the rule of law.

The Managing Director of the Group, Ken Ashigbe in his part said there is the need to bring together people who understand the issues devoid of partisan politics.

He said professionals should be given the space to critically analyze issues in order to enrich the discussion and to find sustainable solutions rather than allowing politicians and people who have little expertise on major issues to sit on air and pollute the public.

Collection of TV Licence comes into effect on the 1st of August, 2015.

Story by Radio Ghana's Isaac Asare