Bridget Otoo, GTV engage in heated exchange over media management and investment

Ghanaian journalist and broadcaster Bridget Otoo has found herself in a heated exchange with the administrator of the state-run Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) after commenting on the promotion of the President’s social media accounts by GTV. The exchange, which took place on X (formerly Twitter), revolved around media management, governance, and financial sustainability.

Ms. Otoo, known for her sharp remarks, humorously tweeted at former President John Dramani Mahama, asking for a temporary appointment as Director-General of GTV. This comment quickly drew a response from GTV’s X account administrator, who corrected her, stating that the National Media Commission, not Mahama, is responsible for such appointments.

The administrator also criticized Otoo’s current employer, Metro TV, pointing out that GBC had invested in Metro TV over 30 years ago but had not yet seen a return on that investment.

Otoo fired back, questioning the effectiveness of GBC’s board and hinting at political interference in its operations. She also criticized GTV’s management and suggested that the state broadcaster had long been funded by taxpayer money without yielding significant returns. Otoo emphasized that social media activity from GTV was sanctioned by management, ultimately reflecting the Director-General’s approval.

GBC, as Ghana’s oldest broadcasting entity, has struggled financially and operationally in recent years, relying heavily on government funding while private media companies have increasingly dominated the media landscape. This exchange highlights ongoing tensions about the state broadcaster’s financial sustainability and management practices.