‘We are issuing out TV licences like Confetti’ — Ken Ashigbey

Former Graphic Communications Group boss Dr Ken Ashigbey has criticised the issuance of television licences, warning that media funding alone cannot fix the industry’s sustainability problems.

Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on Monday, he called for changes that would help media businesses survive while strengthening professional standards.

“The issues where we are issuing out TV licenses like Confetti are things that we need to deal with.”

Ashigbey also raised concerns about restrictions on media houses' reach. He argued that such decisions weaken organisations that need sufficient capacity to carry out their work.

His remarks came during discussions on funding for journalists and a proposed bill addressing job security, fair pay, working conditions and welfare.

President John Mahama has announced GH¢10 million in seed funding for the reactivated Media Development Fund in the 2027 Budget. It is expected to support journalists’ welfare, training, investigative reporting, digital literacy and safety programmes.

Ashigbey said the fund should form part of a wider effort to build a viable media industry. He argued that media organisations should not depend on it as their sole source of income.

“We need to do that, but we also need to put in place the systems that will let media businesses thrive, and it's the reason why you would have people who understand the management of media to be put at the forefront.”

He backed a proposal by National Media Commission Executive Secretary George Sarpong to track professional journalism through an index.

He said such a system should help distinguish professional practitioners from people merely presenting themselves as journalists. Support should reward responsible work and strengthen self-regulation to address unprofessional conduct.

For Ashigbey, funding access should reflect a recipient’s record of serving the public interest.

“They have demonstrated that they are dealing with issues that are of concern to our national development.”

He also called for a sustainable fund with a small, technology-supported administrative team.

His proposal envisages two or three people handling administration, with oversight from a board drawn from diverse backgrounds. The structure should distribute support transparently and attract additional funding.

Ashigbey maintained that the wider reforms must leave room for entrepreneurs to operate media businesses commercially.

Those businesses, he said, should be able to employ people, pay them well and generate tax revenue.

“But definitely, this bill alone is not going to solve the problem of a responsible, sustainable media entity.”