The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) has initiated a lawsuit against the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation (MoCD) and KNet Ghana Limited, seeking a mandatory injunction at the High Court. This legal action challenges what GIBA calls the unlawful collection of TV Channel fees and arbitrary charges for “Contribution Link Services.”
GIBA’s lawsuit stems from concerns raised in August 2023, when it accused the MoCD of unilaterally authorizing KNet Ghana Ltd to exclusively provide Contribution Link Services and impose fees without legal backing or approval from Parliament. The fees, which include “Contribution Links Fees,” have reportedly led to broadcasters being disconnected from the National Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform for non-payment. GIBA argues that these charges lack a legal or contractual foundation and are an infringement on the rights of broadcasters.
The association claims that KNet’s actions, backed by the Ministry, have led to the shutdown of several broadcasters, limiting their ability to transmit content to the public. GIBA’s filing seeks to halt the collection of these unlawful fees, restore access to the DTT platform for affected broadcasters, and prevent KNet from disconnecting any broadcaster based on non-payment of fees.
The move is in response to the imposition of fees by KNet, which were introduced without proper consultation or legal authorization. GIBA contends that the fees are arbitrary and that broadcasters should not be forced into paying for services they have not contracted. The association is committed to upholding media freedom and ensuring regulatory compliance in the broadcasting sector.
This legal battle underscores GIBA’s commitment to protecting broadcasters and ensuring the integrity of Ghana’s broadcasting infrastructure. It highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law in the country’s media landscape.
