Newly elected President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Abdulai Awudu, has called for urgent financial and policy reforms to protect the survival of independent broadcasters.
Speaking at his swearing-in ceremony in Accra, Mr Awudu warned that media insolvency poses a direct threat to Ghana’s democracy.
While Ghana boasts one of the most vibrant media ecosystems in Africa, the financial realities of many broadcasters tell a different story.
“Too many stations today operate on razor-thin margins or are on the brink of collapse. When a station shuts down, Ghanaians lose more than a business; we lose a voice in our national dialogue,” he stated.
He said the sustainability crisis is being driven by rising operational costs, limited advertising revenue and an uneven playing field that favours larger corporations over smaller independent stations.
To address these concerns, the GIBA President outlined plans to work closely with policymakers, the National Communications Authority (NCA), and development partners to design policies that promote fair competition, reduce regulatory burdens and create access to sustainable funding for broadcasters.
Mr Awudu further called for stronger collaboration within the industry to enhance internal business practices and explore innovative revenue models.
“Media insolvency is not just a business issue; it is a threat to democracy. A financially weak media cannot effectively hold power to account,” he cautioned.