The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) Workers’ Union, has declared Professor Amin Alhassan, the GBC’s Director-General, a persona non grata.
It accuses him of turning the state broadcaster into a crime scene and overseeing a catastrophic decline in its financial and operational performance.
At a press conference in Accra, the Union Chairman, Samuel Nathaniel Kevor, cited severe financial mismanagement and maladministration under Professor Amin Alhassan’s leadership.
According to the Union, GBC, reported a staggering loss of over eight million Ghana Cedis in the previous financial year, an explosive increase from a loss of 270,000 Ghana Cedis in 2021.
This represents a shocking deterioration of 3,020.5 per cent in financial performance, prompting serious concerns from unionized workers.
According to the report, procurements totalling GH₵ 533,920, were single-sourced in breach of Section 43 of the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663), as amended.
The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC), has since referred Professor Alhassan to the Auditor General for prosecution.
The Union, also raised issues regarding the questionable expenditure of 200,000 Ghana Cedis on renovating the Director General’s bungalow.
“The DG is simply out of tune with the aspirations of both the workers and the Corporation,” Mr Kevor stated, expressing deep dissatisfaction with Professor Alhassan’s leadership.
The Union, therefore, demanded an immediate investigation and forensic audit into Professor Alhassan’s financial dealings, including the use of the Internally Generated Fund, payments related to the 2022 FIFA World Cup and the 13th African Games, and the sales and leases of GBC lands across the country.
They also called for full compensation for technicians and production teams who worked during the 13th African Games.
The Union, accused the Director-General of maladministration, financial malfeasance, and neglect of staff welfare and core business operations.
They highlighted the severe deterioration of GBC’s assets, including collapsed studios, outdated equipment, leaking roofs, and broken-down operational vehicles.
Mr Kevor, pointed out that, out of 37 faulty vehicles, only four have been repaired, forcing staff to resort to extreme measures such as leaving work early or sleeping in offices and studios overnight to save costs.
He also criticized management’s preference for renting equipment, such as Outside Broadcast Vans (OB Vans), instead of upgrading outdated facilities, which they say significantly increases operational costs.
The Union, expressed its outrage at the National Media Commission (NMC) for allowing Professor Alhassan to remain in office despite his contract expiring on October 1, 2023.
The Union, expressed frustration with the NMC’s inaction, stating that they had lost confidence in both the Director-General and the Commission.
Mr Kevor, emphasised GBC’s strategic importance to national security and called for Professor Alhassan’s immediate departure to restore stability and accountability.
“We demand that his contract should not be extended. The Unionised workers of GBC have lost confidence in Professor Amin Alhassan and the NMC,” Mr Kevor stated.
He noted that the NMC, in a response dated December 11, 2023, assured the Union that a public announcement would be made once the process of appointing a new Director-General is completed. He added that the Union remains adamant that urgent action is needed to address the Corporation’s deepening crisis.
The Union’s declaration, underscores the growing discontent among GBC staff and the urgent need for accountability to safeguard the corporation’s future.