Trending GH: Mixed opinions on Special TV Licence Courts

Some Ghanaians have expressed mixed reactions to reports of government establishing Special TV Licence Courts to ensure people pay their TV Licence as required by law.

Arguments have been raised about the rationale behind the charging of the TV license fees as Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) do not produce interesting TV content as compared to the private media houses.

Initially, it was disclosed that Ghanaians would be paying the TV Licence fee due to their ownership of TV sets, but speaking on Citi FM today January 3, the Director General of GBC, Dr. Akuffo Annor-Ntow asserted that the TV Licence fee is being charged for TV content rather.

Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo recently approved the establishment of Special TV Licence Courts across the 10 regions of the country to punish Ghanaians who refuse to pay their TV Licence, as well as to hasten and reinforce efforts to retrieve the fees from Ghanaians.

The revenue that will be accrued will be shared in percentage terms among Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), 72%, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) 15%, National Media Commission (NMC) 4%, Media Development Fund 4%, Films Fund 2% and Management of TV Licence Fee (GBC) 3%.