President John Dramani Mahama’s directive to curb unnecessary public expenditure by banning all offices within the Jubilee House, Ghana’s presidential seat, from subscribing to DStv or any other satellite television service has been received positively within political circles.

According to Mr. Felix Ofosu Kwakye, “You would say that is a trivial matter, but he has done that. Because when you computed the cost, it was significant money.”

While the move may seem minor from a purely political or fiscal standpoint, my perspective shifts quickly beyond politics. I see a golden opportunity for local content creators to step up and push more homegrown content onto our television screens.

As Mr. Ofosu Kwakye emphasised, “The ban confines television at the Jubilee House to local channels only.” This means local stations must now rise to the challenge—offering engaging, relevant, and high-quality programming. It’s a direct call to the creative minds in Ghana’s orange economy.

This development, though easily dismissed as trivial, is far from insignificant. Think about it: if previously, hours of television consumed within government agencies were dominated by foreign content, and now those same hours must be filled with local programming, that’s a considerable shift in media consumption.

If local channels produce compelling content that captures attention, they will not only win over civil servants during office hours but also potentially retain those viewers at home, too. It’s a ripple effect.

Imagine the number of government workers, civil servants, and public officials who will now have no choice but to tune in to local content. It’s a massive boost for local media, and one that should energise all stakeholders to be innovative and strategic.

Moreover, this move should encourage ministries and relevant government agencies to support and invest in content that reflects our own stories, values, and identity, dethroning the foreign-dominated programming that currently fills too much of our airtime.

Our creative sector must seize this opportunity with boldness and urgency. It is time to push for policies, funding, and platforms that promote Ghanaian content. We must stop playing second fiddle in our own media space.

Unfortunately, many local stations continue to prioritise foreign content over Ghanaian productions. But this ban offers a moment of reset, a moment that creatives must exploit.

Let us rise. Let us be daring. Let us use this policy shift as a catalyst to grow our content, strengthen our industry, and reclaim our space on Ghana’s screens.

Kojo Preko Dankwa
FOCAP President
Host, Kessben Maakye
Kessben FM 92.9, Accra
Kessben TV

The Accra Circuit Court has remanded 55-year-old Theophilus Thompson, a known sympathiser of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), for allegedly assaulting Latif Iddrisu, a journalist with the Multimedia Group.

The alleged assault occurred on the evening of May 27, 2025, during a protest in front of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra. The demonstration was staged by several NPP supporters and Members of Parliament in response to the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, widely known as Chairman Wontumi, the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman.

According to a police statement issued on June 8, Thompson was arrested the previous day, June 7, in James Town around 5:00 p.m.

At his court appearance on Monday, June 9, Thompson pleaded not guilty. His lawyer urged the court to grant bail, arguing that Thompson had a permanent residence and posed no flight risk. He also referenced section 97(4) of Act 30, which states that bail should not be denied as a punitive measure.

The prosecution, however, opposed the request, highlighting that investigations were ongoing and other suspects had not yet been apprehended. The State Attorney expressed concern that releasing Thompson could obstruct the investigation or lead to witness tampering.

The defence maintained that the prosecution had failed to provide evidence supporting these claims.

In the end, the court agreed with the prosecution and remanded Thompson into custody. The case has been adjourned to June 18, 2025.

The hearing drew a strong show of support from the NPP leadership, with National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B) and National Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha present in court.

The Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) has picked up Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, following a visit to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) headquarters on Tuesday, May 27.

Sources close to the development confirm that Chairman Wontumi, who appeared before the CID earlier in the day to assist with ongoing investigations, was later picked up by officials of EOCO for further questioning.

The precise nature of the investigation remains undisclosed, however his legal team is yet to speak on the development.

Chairman Wontumi was officially cautioned on Monday, May 26, for allegedly engaging in mining operations without a license, polluting water bodies, and unlawfully entering a forest reserve.

In a press release issued on Monday, May 26, the CID confirmed that Mr. Antwi-Boasiako had reported to the CID Headquarters in Accra earlier that day at noon. He was accompanied by a legal team led by former Attorney General Godfred Yeboah Dame.

According to the statement, Wontumi cooperated fully with investigators and submitted a formal statement. He was subsequently granted bail with instructions to return for further questioning on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Chairman Wontumi has denied involvement in illegal mining and reports linking him to a controversial payment from COCOBOD.

Speaking to journalists after his interrogation by the CID on Monday, he firmly defended his innocence on both fronts, stating he had complied fully with legal requirements regarding his mining operations.

Source: Citi Newsroom