Politics
President Mahama’s DSTV Ban: A Wake-Up Call for Ghana’s Creative Industry – Kojo Preko Dankwa
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
Politics
Afenyo-Markin Chooses Neutral Path in NPP Presidential Race, Says His Role Demands Unity Over Loyalty
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Effutu, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has announced that he will remain neutral in the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) upcoming presidential primaries. He says his position as a leader calls for unity within the party, not open endorsement of any particular candidate.
Speaking on Joy News on Monday, October 27, Afenyo-Markin explained that while many of his colleagues have publicly declared support for various aspirants, his leadership role requires him to act with restraint and impartiality.
“For me as a leader, I cannot publicly say I am going to campaign for this person,” he stated. “Because of where I sit, I have a role to play in the aftermath of January 31st, so I believe it’s best to stay neutral.”
He noted that taking sides could make it difficult for him to effectively mediate and unite the party after the internal elections.
“If I show my hand openly now, it will be hard for others to trust my efforts when I try to bring everyone together later. So, I think it’s only right to stay this way,” he added.
Despite his neutral stance, the Effutu MP praised colleagues who have openly declared their support for various candidates, describing their approach as “decent and responsible.”
“I think so far, the MPs who have declared their positions have done so respectfully. Initially, my concern was how those who openly supported candidates would manage themselves, but they’ve been decent,” he said.
Afenyo-Markin also reiterated his earlier call for MPs to remain neutral to preserve harmony in the party, warning that internal contests should not breed division.
“To be a credible referee who is trusted by all sides, it’s better to remain neutral—at least not declare publicly,” he advised.
He acknowledged that not everyone agrees with his position, but emphasized that he respects the right of others to support their preferred candidates as long as it’s done with decorum.
His remarks come as the NPP prepares for a crucial presidential primary, a contest expected to shape the party’s leadership and direction ahead of the next general election.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has successfully conducted its official balloting exercise to determine the order in which presidential aspirants will appear on the ballot paper for the party’s upcoming presidential primary scheduled for January 31, 2026.
In a statement issued by the party’s Presidential Elections Committee on October 10, five aspirants have been confirmed to contest for the NPP’s flagbearership position. The order on the ballot paper is as follows:
1. Ken Ohene Agyapong
2. Dr. Bryan Acheampong
3. Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia
4. Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum
5. Kwabena Agyei Agyepong
The exercise, held in collaboration with officials from the Electoral Commission (EC), was aimed at ensuring transparency, credibility, and fairness throughout the party’s internal electoral process.
In a statement, William Yamoah, Secretary to the Presidential Elections Committee, expressed appreciation to all aspirants, their representatives, and EC officials for their cooperation and decorum during the event.
He reaffirmed the party’s dedication to democratic principles, stating:
“The New Patriotic Party remains steadfast in its resolve to conduct a transparent, credible, and peaceful presidential primary as we prepare to elect a flagbearer for the 2026 general elections.”
This balloting marks a major milestone in the NPP’s internal election process as the party gears up for what is expected to be a highly competitive contest to choose its next leader ahead of the 2026 national polls.
President John Dramani Mahama will pay a courtesy call on the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Friday, October 10, 2025, as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the Presidency and the national broadcaster.
According to a circular issued by management, a staff durbar will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the back of the Administration Block to mark the visit. All staff have been encouraged to attend and be punctual.
President Mahama’s visit is expected to deepen cooperation in strengthening public service broadcasting and advancing national development through effective communication.
The durbar will also provide an opportunity for staff to engage with the President and share ideas on how GBC can continue to serve as a credible and independent voice for the nation.
Source: GBCONLINE
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