“GBC Sits on Gold but Distressed” – Kwakye Ofosu Unveils Retooling Plan to Leverage Broadcaster’s Land

Minister for Government Communication Felix Kwakye Ofosu has disclosed that large tracts of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation land were taken over by state agencies without formal processes under previous governments, including five acres ceded to the Ghana Revenue Authority “by word of mouth.”

Responding to concerns raised in Parliament by Minority Leader Osahen Alexander Afenyo-Markin, Hon. Kwakye Ofosu said GBC is “deeply distressed” financially yet sits on vast, valuable land in prime areas of Accra.

The Minister revealed that before his appointment, the previous government had taken portions of GBC land north of Jubilee House. He said the GRA acquired about five acres without formal documentation or payment. That land was eventually taken over by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta to build a head office for the Finance Ministry.

“Mister Speaker I continue to pursue the Finance Ministry for payments,” he told the House.

Hon. Kwakye Ofosu said he will soon table a retooling plan for GBC before Cabinet and is willing to brief Parliament on the details. The plan, he said, will leverage GBC’s valuable land assets to reposition it as a prime broadcasting organisation in Ghana.

He added that he has enjoyed cooperation from the Minority Leader and members of the Communications Committee in implementing measures to address GBC’s problems, and has already held informal discussions with the committee.

The minister’s remarks follow Hon. Afenyo-Markin’s criticism that GBC is “sitting on gold” but lacks resources because its assets are being encroached upon.