The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has officially informed its staff of the government’s decision to withdraw military personnel stationed at the corporation, sparking widespread speculation and controversy.

According to an official letter released by GBC, the Ghana Armed Forces, through the 64 Infantry Regiment, has served notice that the troops assigned to protect the corporation will be withdrawn, effective Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

The letter, which has circulated within GBC and the media, urges all staff members to take note of the withdrawal, though it provides no detailed explanation for the sudden decision. However, prominent journalist and broadcaster Captain Smart has claimed to have inside information about the government’s motive for pulling the military personnel from GBC.

According to Captain Smart, the withdrawal is politically motivated, with the government allegedly unhappy with some of GBC’s coverage, which it feels has damaged its public image.

Speaking on his Onua Maakye show, Captain Smart alleged that the government sees GBC’s reporting as a source of negative publicity. “The reason the military is being pulled out is because the government believes GBC is making them unpopular with the stories they broadcast. This is nothing short of political pressure,” Captain Smart stated, though he did not provide concrete evidence to support his claim.

GBC, as the state broadcaster, has a mandate to provide balanced and unbiased coverage of national events, but its reporting has at times drawn criticism from various political factions. Captain Smart’s allegations suggest that the government’s decision to remove the military protection may be in retaliation for GBC’s editorial stance, though government officials have yet to comment on these claims.

The withdrawal of the military personnel has raised concerns about the security of GBC’s facilities and staff, especially considering the corporation’s significant role as a national broadcaster. It remains unclear whether alternative security arrangements will be made, or if GBC will be left to rely solely on private security personnel following the military’s departure.

The decision has also triggered debate among media professionals and political analysts, with some viewing it as a potential threat to press freedom.

As of now, the government and the Ghana Armed Forces have not issued a public statement regarding the withdrawal or responded to Captain Smart’s claims.

For now, GBC staff are left to adjust to the upcoming security changes while the public awaits further clarification on the motives behind the government’s decision to withdraw military personnel from the state broadcaster

 

Read the statement below;