GTV resumes collection of TV license

Ghana Television, a division of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, has resumed the collection of its TV License after several years of a halt.

The state broadcaster announced on social media on June 23, 2023, that it has recommenced collection of the oft-critiqued license, following months of hinting at its reintroduction.

Households are expected to pay an annual fee of GHC 36 via a designated short code, according to the station.

Here we go!

Dial *447*333# to pay your TV Licence!

It’s just 36 cedis for the whole year. pic.twitter.com/e9hHci4vEK
— GTV Ghana (@GTV_Ghana) June 23, 2023

While some social media users commended GTV for the initiative, stating it will bring out the needed quality and efficiency from the national broadcaster, others have slammed the license as irrelevant and backward.

Television was first introduced in Ghana in 1965, when the state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) launched its television service. The passage of the GBC Act in 1966 saw not only the establishment of the GBC as the national broadcaster but also the introduction of the TV license as a means of funding the operations of the GBC and supporting the development of broadcasting services in the country.

The TV licensing system in Ghana operates on a household basis. Every household that owns a television set is required to pay an annual TV license fee to the GBC. The fee is meant to contribute to the funding of public broadcasting services and the production of local television content.

According to the law, the GBC, through its designated officers, has the authority to enforce TV license compliance. The officers conduct inspections and can request proof of payment from households. Non-compliance with the TV license requirement can result in penalties, including fines or even imprisonment.