Tensions at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) have worsened as the Divisional Union escalated its protests against the leadership of the Director-General, Professor Amin Alhassan, declaring that it has lost confidence in his administration and can no longer operate under his leadership.
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Ofosu-Kwakye, was yesterday drawn into the dispute, with workers questioning what he stands to gain while the institution, in their view, is collapsing under his watch. They challenged the Minister’s perceived support for the Director-General and claimed that GBC has been in decline during Mr Ofosu-Kwakye’s tenure.
The Union’s latest action marks a significant development in the escalating standoff between management and the Divisional Union at the national broadcaster. Members wore red armbands and waved red flags to underscore what they described as serious concerns about poor administration and the Corporation’s overall direction.
The agitated workers were seen chanting solidarity songs and repeatedly shouting “chooboi”, a rallying cry aimed at energising and encouraging one another.
Their actions reflect growing frustration among staff who believe their grievances have not been adequately addressed. The symbolic red attire was intended to draw public attention to what they describe as deep-rooted challenges facing GBC under Professor Alhassan’s leadership.
The protest intensified with the display of a large banner bearing strongly worded messages. Some inscriptions described Professor Alhassan as a “monumental failure” and accused him of presiding over what the Union termed “legendary mismanagement” at GBC.
Other messages called on President John Dramani Mahama to dismiss Professor Alhassan, claiming the broadcaster is in distress. The banner also criticised the National Media Commission (NMC), describing it as no longer relevant to GBC, demanded a halt to the alleged sale of GBC lands, and called for investigations into Professor Alhassan’s alleged involvement in matters relating to the 13th African Games, among other concerns.
Addressing the media at a joint staff meeting of the Divisional Union and the Senior Management Staff Union (SMUS) in Accra, the Chairman of SMUS, Ebenezer Odzawu, called for a comprehensive forensic audit of the Corporation’s finances from 1 October 2019, when Professor Alhassan assumed office as Director-General, to date.
He said such an audit was necessary to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of GBC’s resources and to help restore confidence among staff and the general public.
According to Mr Odzawu, the demand for a forensic audit is expected to heighten scrutiny of the Corporation’s financial operations, particularly at a time when GBC has attracted public attention over various administrative and contractual matters. He argued that an independent review of the books would help rebuild trust within the institution.
The unionised staff also called on the Director of Human Resources, John Osei Korasare, to proceed on immediate leave, further intensifying the standoff between workers and management.
Mr Odzawu said the latest action follows a meeting last week to address concerns about alleged staff victimisation and annual leave issues. He added that management had been informed that two staff members had been transferred to Tamale and Wa, respectively, while another had been directed to vacate his official bungalow.
He stated that the affected employees subsequently petitioned the Union, and the matters were tabled for discussion at the Standing Joint Committee.
Mr Odzawu added that the Union, through its mother body, the Public Services Workers’ Union (PSWU), wrote to management demanding that the two decisions be reversed within 24 hours. The ultimatum expired on 6 February 2026, but the Union says it has received no response from management.
He further indicated that several critical issues remain unresolved at the Standing Joint Committee. These include outstanding staff promotions, retooling of the Corporation, staff attrition, alleged salary stoppages, alleged unfair termination of appointments, enhancement of the provident fund, and broader staff welfare concerns.
Mr Odzawu accused management of serious mismanagement of the Corporation’s limited resources and of financial malfeasance. Among the concerns raised are the alleged sale of GBC lands across the country, issues relating to the 13th African Games contract and associated payments, staff victimisation, alleged bad faith in Standing Joint negotiations, neglect of staff welfare, non-refund of medical bills, non-payment of fuel allowances and transfer grants, failure to replace broken-down vehicles and equipment, and alleged discrimination in staff promotions.
Describing the situation as deeply troubling, the Union maintains that, despite what it believes to be regular revenue inflows, management’s recurring response to staff demands has been that there are no funds, a position workers say has further eroded confidence in the leadership of the Corporation.
