Strengthening TV Licence Collection in Ghana: Practical Suggestions for Government Implementation

Television remains one of the most influential tools for education, communication, and national development in Ghana. However, public broadcasters such as the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) have long struggled with funding challenges.

The introduction of a television licence fee of ₵36 per annum was intended to support the sustainability of public broadcasting, yet compliance has remained low. Many citizens find the collection process unclear or inconvenient, while others consider the amount too insignificant to justify strict enforcement.

To address these challenges, the Government of Ghana could adopt an integrated approach that links the TV licence system to existing public institutions such as hospitals, the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA), the Registrar General’s Department, and the Harbor/Customs Authority.

Linking Licence Verification to Health Services

Hospitals and health centers, under the framework of the National Health Service (NHS), can serve as points of verification for TV licence ownership.

• Implementation: When citizens visit hospitals for medical care or renew their National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) cards, they could be required to present evidence of a valid TV licence.
• Benefit: This ensures that more households are reached, as the majority of Ghanaians access healthcare services annually.
• Outcome: It also increases awareness and compliance without creating an additional financial burden on the public.

Collaboration with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA)

The GRA’s tax collection network is one of the most reliable systems in Ghana. Integrating TV licence payments into the tax system could make the process more efficient.

• Proposal: Add the TV licence fee to annual income tax or property tax payments. For businesses that use televisions in waiting areas, restaurants, or hotels, the GRA could require proof of licence during tax assessment.
• Advantages: Simplifies collection by using an existing revenue platform. Ensures fairness and accountability.

Integration with the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA

The DVLA interacts with millions of Ghanaians each year.

• Suggestion: During vehicle registration or renewal, citizens could be asked to present a valid TV licence, especially for commercial vehicles that use televisions to entertain passengers.
• Impact: This will help capture a significant portion of the working population, ensuring wider compliance.

Many businesses in Ghana use televisions in offices, shops, or receptions, yet most do not pay for TV licenses.

• Implementation: The Registrar General’s Department could require businesses to show proof of a TV licence before renewing their operating permits.
• Result: This would ensure that corporate entities contribute to the public broadcasting fund just as private citizens do.

Involvement of the Harbor and Customs Authorities

Ports and Customs could play a vital role in tracking imported television sets.

• Approach: Importers or retailers should pay a licence registration fee when clearing televisions at the harbor. This ensures that all TVs entering the country are properly recorded for licence purposes.
• Effect: It would reduce illegal or unregistered televisions on the market and improve overall compliance.

Reviewing the Annual Licence Fee
The current ₵36 per annum fee may not be attractive or sufficient to support quality broadcasting services.

• Recommendation: The government could revise the amount moderately perhaps ₵60 or ₵72 annually while ensuring transparent use of funds. Alternatively, it could maintain the same fee but improve public awareness about how the revenue benefits national broadcasting and education.
• Justification: Citizens are more willing to pay when they see visible improvements in local programming, educational content, and unbiased news coverage.

Conclusion
For Ghana’s public broadcasting sector to thrive, the television licence system must be strengthened and better managed. By linking licence verification and collection to major public institutions such as hospitals, GRA, DVLA, the Registrar General’s Department, and Customs, the government can ensure wider compliance, transparency, and accountability. At the same time, reviewing the current ₵36 annual fee and improving public education about its importance will help build public trust and support. A well-funded broadcasting system benefits every Ghanaian by promoting education, national unity, and development.

Mustapha Bature Sallama
Medical/Science communicator ,Private Investigator, Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Analysis,

International Conflict management and Peace Building. Alumni Gandhi-King Global Academy, United State Institute of Peace Building USIP.