GH¢78m allocated to my office deplorably inadequate – Kwakye Ofosu

The minister of government communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu has expressed deep concern over what he said is insufficient budgetary allocation to his office, stating that the GH¢78 million allotted to his office for the year is deplorably inadequate to meet the operational needs of the three key agencies under his supervision.

Speaking on the floor of parliament on Wednesday, March 19, Kwakye Ofosu highlighted the pressing financial needs of the Ghana Broadcasting Agency (GBC), the Information Services Department (ISD) and the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

He stressed that these institutions play a crucial role in disseminating government information, keeping the public informed and upholding media integrity. However, He deplored that the current funding levels would severely hinder their ability to function effectively.

In his entry, the minister detailed the financial burden placed on these organization, noting that they collectively employ 2,537 civil servants who rely on the budgetary provision to carry out their duties.

Kwakye Ofosu again emphasized on the urgent financial demand of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) which has been tasked by the government with expand it services to cover the newly created six regions in the country.

In a statement the minister said that, “There are three agencies that I superintend, namely the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the Information Service Department and the Ghana News Agency. These three agencies alone have 2,537 civil servants and it is these civil servants who have been allocated GH¢78 million in both goods and services.”

He again added that it is woefully inadequate for them because the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation alone needs GH¢36 million to establish their presence in the six regions that the previous administration created.