NMC directs GBC board to withdraw allegations against Director General

12.04.2010 LISTEN

The National Media Commission has directed the Board of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation to withdraw allegations of malfeasance leveled against the Director General of the state broadcaster Ampem Darko and four other top management members.

The decision was taken after a meeting between members of the NMC, and the Board on Monday.

The NMC also directed the Board to issue a statement on the outcome of the meeting to ease tension brewing among workers of the state broadcaster.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in a letter dated April 6, 2010, addressed to the Board chairman, Prof. Ahetor ordered the GBC boss to be interdicted whilst investigations are conducted into allegations of some financial impropriety he is said to have engaged in with four other management members.

But Mr Ampem Darko dismissed the allegations, describing them as machinations by the Board chairman to kick him out of office.

He vowed to stay in office contrary to the SFO directive.

The NMC has intervened in the matter, directing that the board must first inform the NMC on the matter before taking any action.

Meanwhile, workers of the state broadcaster are divided on the matter. Whilst some members of the Union accuse the board of needlessly interfering in the activities of the management team, others have also supported calls for Ampem Darko's interdiction for investigations to be conducted into his activities.

Story by Nathan Gadugah/Myjoyonline.com/Ghana