The newly constituted National Media Commission (NMC) has assured that turning around the operations of all state-owned media organisations remains a key priority of its administration.
To this end, the Commission has promised to collaborate with the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of The Ghanaian Times and the Spectator, to address the Corporation’s operational challenges and restore its viability.
The chairperson of the NMC, Professor Akua Biritwum, gave the assurance yesterday when she led a delegation of the Commission on a familiarisation visit to the NTC in Accra.
The visit formed part of a nationwide tour of media houses to enable the NMC gain firsthand insight into their operations, understand their challenges, and explore areas of support.
Prof. Biritwum expressed concern about the sublease of almost half of the Corporation’s land to a private developer, describing it as a major challenge that continued to weaken the NTC’s resource base. She also cited the dire financial position of the Corporation and staff attrition as pressing concerns.
“We’ve been given an understanding of what the issues are, but there are still many questions for us to seek answers to,” Prof. Biritwum said.
She explained that the Commission would act on the basis of a report expected from the IMC, which is currently assessing the specific challenges of the Corporation.
“The IMC tells us they are working out specifically what the issues are, and that very soon they will place these before us. When that happens, we can support in addressing some of them,” she assured.
Prof. Biritwum said the NMC intended to hold a working meeting with the NTC Board to study available reports and design strategies and timelines to address the Corporation’s challenges.
She further urged the NTC to adapt to changing times by embracing new media technologies while maintaining its mandate as a traditional print medium.
“If we want to keep our state-owned media, we need to discuss new ways of financing, as they serve a public good. But this new financing must be informed by sound management practices within their institutions,” she emphasised.
On his part, the Editor of the Ghanaian Times, Alhaji Salifu Abdul Rahaman, pledged the loyalty of staff to work diligently to enhance the Corporation’s operations.
He, however, appealed to the Commission to address the challenges of inadequate logistics and staff attrition, noting that many employees had left in recent months due to retirement and resignations.
“We have lost many employees within the past six months. The remaining staff need motivation to continue working with the Ghanaian Times,” he said.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa Maku Quaitoo, also briefed the delegation on the structure and operations of the paper. She explained that although staff numbers were low, the paper still managed to meet its production timelines.
She commended the NMC for embarking on the tour, describing it as an important step towards understanding and addressing the concerns of state-owned media.
Earlier, the delegation met with the NTC Board, chaired by Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, before being taken on a tour of the Corporation’s offices and departments.
BY BENJAMIN ARCTON-TETTEY & ELIZABETH NUKUNU KPORSU
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