Some staff of the state broadcaster, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), are lobbying to get former Director General of the station, Mr. William Ampem-Darko appointed as its board chairman.
In a statement addressed to the Minister of Information, the staff calling themselves ‘Friends of William Ampem-Darko at GBC’, said though they are settling for the board chairman, “indeed, we would have wished that he be re-appointed Director-General, but are aware that there is an incumbent currently occupying that position”.
They mentioned him as someone who contributed immensely to staff welfare whilst at the helm of affairs at GBC.
“More significantly still, he made a great contribution to the current successes being chalked by the GBC. Among other things, he converted a derelict storehouse for properties into the modern integrated Radio and TV Newsroom affectionately called ‘the Beast’.”
Currently the 10-member board of directors is chaired by Mr. Kwame Asante. The board was appointed in April 2013 and had their two-year tenure renewed in 2015. The board’s tenure expired in April 2017 but was extended to 31st July 2017 by the National Media Commission.
It is likely a new board would be appointed to oversee activities at the state broadcaster, which some staff are rooting for former Director General Ampem-Darko as board chairman.
Below is a copy of the letter to the Information Minister
OPEN LETTER OF SUPPORT FOR WILLIAM AMPEM–DARKO ‘S RETURN TO GBC
We, the above mentioned group wish to state our support for Mr. William Ampem-Darko ‘s return to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, preferably in the capacity of Board Chairman. Indeed, we would have wished that he be re-appointed Director-General,but are aware that there is an incumbent currently occupying that position.
Mr. Ampem-Darko ‘s tenure at the helm of the state broadcaster was notable for several landmark events. Among them, he re-positioned the hitherto sinking GBC brand by renovating our Outer Reception which had been an eyesore. He also came up with the memorable taglines “The only Station with Nationwide coverage” and “Still the only Station with Nationwide coverage” for Ghana Television (GTV).
He also mooted the idea of GTV going multichannel, which has been brought to fruition by his successors.
Mr. Ampem-Darko contributed immensely to staff welfare. For example, he sank a number of boreholes in the premises of GBC which tremendously improved the then appalling sanitation situation in the yard. Indeed, workers of GBC continue to laud his foresight in this respect.
He also instituted a system of bonus payments when set revenue targets were achieved. This greatly improved staff morale as well as serving as an incentive to increase productivity.
More significantly still, he made a great contribution to the current successes being chalked by the GBC. Among other things, he converted a derelict storehouse for properties into the modern integrated Radio and TV Newsroom affectionately called ‘the Beast’.
He also encouraged private media houses to provide content for our screens in line with contemporary trends.
We could go on and on but suffice it to say that the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, and indeed, the entire broadcasting landscape in the country would be immeasurably better off with this esteemed gentleman’s return to a position of influence at the GBC.
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