It is untrue government has directed GBC not to allow KKD on GTV - GBC Management

The management of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), operators of GTV, says it does not take instructions from the government and therefore it is untrue that government has instructed the station not to allow broadcaster and master of ceremonies (MC), Kwasi Kyei Darkwa otherwise known as KKD, to appear on its shows.

A statement issued by the GBC management said they had picked a news item in which KKD is claiming that the government has instructed GBC not to allow him to appear on GTV.

GBC's management has described KKD's allegations as untrue and unfortunate.

KKD in August 2022 on a GTV breakfast show said he had read a report that a firm associated with the Finance Minister, Ken Ofori Atta was an advisor to the Ministry of Finance.

KKD said that the report "broke his heart" because, to him, a company associated with the Finance Minister or his former company stands to benefit anytime Ghana goes to the international market to borrow.

He said when he saw how "much Ghana owed" and the fact that the transaction advisor was a company linked to the Finance Minister, he felt it was not a good practice.

Following his viral video, he appeared on other TV networks to make other observations about the state but has not been appearing on GTV.

GBC reacting to the supposed claims of KKD said "GBC said provides opportunities to panellists of all political persuasions to speak on our platforms and may retire them when there is a change in our content plan. We also retire panellists who over time change their style of discourse into a form that is unbefitting of GBC's editorial guidelines."

Below is a copy of the GBC statement

The management of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, operators of GTV, has taken note of a news item purported to be caused by Kwasi Kyei Darkwa alleging that the Government instructed GBC not to allow him to appear on GTV. If this statement is truly coming from Kwasi Kyei Darkwa, it would be unfortunate. The claim is not true and can only be a product of his imagination.

Management of GBC wishes to put it on record that the Corporation does not take instructions from the Government when it comes to content production. Management is fully aware that it will be unlawful for Government to determine who comes on our platforms.

GBC is guided by the ethics of public service broadcasting journalism. We do not allow our guests to make allegations against other persons who are not present, or do not have the immediate opportunity to respond. We are also into adversarial journalism, and panelists who adopt a combative style of discourse are not accommodated on GBC's network.

GBC provides opportunities to panelists of all political persuasions to speak on our platforms and may retire them when there is a change in our content plan. We also retire panelists who over time change their style of discourse into a form that is unbefitting of GBC's editorial guidelines.

We wish to remind all Ghanaians that GBC requires the support of all as it is being transformed into a public service broadcasting service as anticipated by the 1992 Constitution and subsequent Supreme Court decision.

For further information contact: Stephanie Bata on 0264340204