The Divisional Union of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has formally petitioned the newly constituted National Media Commission (NMC) for the fourth time, demanding swift action regarding the continued stay of Professor Amin Alhassan as Director-General, despite the expiration of his tenure on October 1, 2023.
In the latest petition, dated July 21, 2025, and addressed to NMC Chairperson Professor Akua Biritwum, the Union argues that Professor Alhassan’s ongoing occupation of the role is illegitimate and poses legal and operational risks to the Corporation.
“This remains our firm position,” the Union stated, maintaining that his actions lack lawful backing and could expose the GBC to serious consequences.
Copies of the petition were forwarded to the Chief of Staff, Office of the President, Minister for Government Communication, Chairman of the GBC Board, Trades Union Congress (TUC), and Public Services Workers Union (PSWU), among others.
The Union referenced a letter from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department dated March 14, 2025, which cited Section 25(5) of the Public Financial Management Act, 2016 (Act 921). It emphasized that the Director-General’s appointment requires ministerial clearance and budgetary approval. As a result, salary payments to Prof. Alhassan have been suspended since March 2025 due to lack of financial clearance dating back to October 2023.
Despite these red flags, the NMC has not taken any action, a silence the Union describes as a “tacit endorsement of mismanagement and financial malfeasance.”
The petition also points to multiple earlier warnings, including:
- A November 21, 2023 petition opposing any contract extension.
- A July 19, 2024 letter citing worsening conditions at GBC.
- An August 2024 public protest by staff demanding his removal.
The Union further referenced the controversial $3.6 million contract awarded during the 13th African Games, which it says brought negative publicity to GBC, as well as an ongoing Attorney-General referral stemming from alleged procurement breaches cited in the Auditor-General’s 2022 report.
The Union warns that if no action is taken within ten working days, it will be “compelled to advise itself,” hinting at possible industrial or legal action.
It concluded by urging the NMC to act decisively to restore staff morale and public trust in Ghana’s state broadcaster.
