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26.03.2004 General News

GDC Deputy D-G Defies Board's Ultimatum

26.03.2004 LISTEN
By JOYNEWS

The Deputy Director General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ken Amankwah, has dismissed an ultimatum given by the board for his resignation or dismissal.

He was given until 5pm on Thursday to resign or be fired after he incurred the displeasure of the board by his public criticism of his boss, Miss Eva Lokko.

Sources at the GBC told Joy FM that Mr. Amankwaah refused to hand in his resignation letter and dared the board to go ahead with its threat to fire him.

JOYNEWS enquiries at GBC established that when the deputy director general appeared before the board last night he made it clear that he had no regrets for his criticisms of the Director General Eva Lokko.

He is reported to have told the board to take whatever measures it deems fit as punishment for his actions. It is believed that the quit order to the deputy director general was in reaction to his scathing attack on Miss Lokko's management style, which was published by the Statesman Newspaper.

The publication followed a demonstration by unionised workers at the GBC who demanded the removal of Miss Lokko citing her handedness and sanctions on certain benefits.

After receiving the quit order from the board chairman, Mr. Amankwaah petitioned the National Media Commission, which called an emergency meeting and reminded the board that it had no powers to dismiss Mr. Amankwah since it was the commission that appointed him.

The Commission's Executive Secretary told JOYNEWS that the quit order was unacceptable and that the board can only make recommendations about the conduct of the deputy director general.

Mr. Amankwah is reported to have told the board that he will continue to fight what he describes as great inequality and injustice at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. He also said he was prepared to go the full haul to see a better and an efficient GBC.

JOYNEWS also learnt that the board acknowledged the concerns of Mr. Amankwah but was not happy with the manner in which he expressed his grievances. The board is expected to announce its decision next week.

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