Investigate PURC GHC25,000 budget spent on 30 journalists - Group

Foundation (TPF) is calling on the government and the security forces to investigate alleged money spent on media activities and protocol for journalists.

A report by Joy FM’s investigative journalist Kwetey Nartey indicated that the Public Utility Regulatory Commission (PURC) spent money on 30 journalists from both the State and private media houses.

In a statement signed by the Executive Director of TPF Listowell Yesu Bukarson, it called on the PURC to publish names of the 30 journalists, amount given and the media houses they belong.

The statement said the investigation is not aimed at exposing the media fraternity but will serve as a means of stopping government institutions from stealing money in the name of the media.

‘We call on the PURC to release the list of the said 30 journalists, their specific media houses as well as how much money was received and signed for by these journalists.

Whiles this call is not to expose the media, we deem it appropriate, because it will serve as a means of stopping government institutions from stealing money in the name of the media,’ it appealed.

Read details of the statement:

The Press Foundation, TPF, wishes to congratulate Joy Fm and its investigative Journalist, Kwetey Nartey for the exposures at the Public Utility Regulatory Commission, PURC.

We take this opportunity to also call for investigations into the revelations, especially with regards to the said amount of Gh25, 000 purported to have been spent for media activities and protocol for 30 journalists from state and private media houses.

TPF is concern because, over the years experiences have shown that, government institutions misappropriate and, or milk the state in the name of “sorting” the media out.

We call on the PURC to release the list of the said 30 journalists, their specific media houses as well as how much money was received and signed for by these journalists.

Whiles this call is not to expose the media, we deem it appropriate, because it will serve as a means of stopping government institutions from stealing money in the name of the media.

Once again, TPF will also like to call on the appropriate state, or even independent investigative agencies to institute immediate investigations into these exposures without delay.

Signed: Listowell Yesu Bukarson, Executive Director