Mahama signals overhaul of TV licence system, hints at new public media levy
8th January 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that Cabinet is actively considering reforms to Ghana’s TV licence regime, with proposals expected to be forwarded to Parliament once internal deliberations are completed.
The President made this known during a working visit to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) on Thursday, January 8, as part of his ongoing engagements with key state institutions.
According to President Mahama, government discussions are leaning towards scrapping the current TV licence arrangement and replacing it with a public media levy aimed at providing more sustainable funding for public broadcasters.
“There are a number of ideas on the table regarding the so-called TV licence,” he said. “Our thinking is moving in the direction of amending the law to introduce a form of public media levy.”
He explained that the proposed levy would be broader in scope and more efficient in mobilising revenue, enabling the state to better support public media organisations and strengthen their operations.
President Mahama noted that once Cabinet finalises its position, the government will engage relevant stakeholders, including GBC, before submitting the proposed amendments to Parliament for consideration.
“When Cabinet has concluded its discussions, we will share our thinking with you before we finally take the matter to Parliament to amend the law,” he added.
Expressing optimism about the potential impact of the reforms, the President said the changes would significantly enhance funding for public media institutions, improving their capacity to deliver quality programming and fulfil their public service mandate.
“I am confident that with some of the ideas being proposed, public broadcasters will be able to generate more resources and be better equipped to do their work,” President Mahama said.