The Government has announced its decision to merge the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and the Information Services Department (ISD) into a single entity, the Government Communications Office (GCO).
With this merger, the strengths of both agencies will be combined to create a modern, responsive, and effective government communication outfit.
Speaking before Parliament’s Appointments Committee for vetting on Friday night, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister-designate for Government Communications, explained that the merger is aimed at aligning government communication with modern technological trends while reducing operational costs.
The planned merger, which follows the dissolution of the Ministry of Information, is expected to modernize state communication by leveraging digital technology to enhance information dissemination.
“The President envisions a lean, technology-driven government communications system that eliminates inefficiencies and enhances real-time engagement with the public,” he stated.
He noted that ISD, which has traditionally relied on outdated methods such as cinema vans for public education, will now integrate with GNA’s established news reporting infrastructure, leveraging the agency’s professional credibility and reliability.
“There are other agencies like the GNA which, by virtue of its credibility and reliability in terms of news reportage, is widely accepted as one of the most important news outlets the government has,” he explained.
In that regard, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu said the government would restructure, transform, and resource the two entities to keep up with modern communication trends.
That, he said, would enable them to deliver more efficient services.
GNA’s existing network of journalists and ISD’s information officers across the country will be retained to ensure continued national coverage.
Under the new structure, all government communications will be coordinated under the Office of the President, with Mr. Kwakye Ofosu leading a streamlined team.
Once confirmed by Parliament, he will also become the substantive spokesperson for the President.
On other agencies previously under the Ministry of Information, such as the Ghana Publishing Company and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, he explained that they would undergo restructuring to enhance their competitiveness and service delivery.
The Ghana Publishing Company will be repositioned to expand its business operations and generate more revenue for the state.
The GBC and the Graphic Communications Group will also be supported to improve their operations under the new structure.
These entities, which previously relied on the Ministry of Information for budget approvals, will now work with Parliament through the Office of the President.
Addressing concerns over potential job losses, Mr. Kwakye Ofosu assured that civil servants within the affected agencies would retain their positions, though political appointees would not be covered.
However, future recruitment will be limited to ensure efficiency.
“There will be no job cuts, but we will not expand beyond our current numbers. Over time, the natural attrition of staff reaching retirement will create a leaner, more efficient workforce,” he stated.
The consolidation is expected to optimize resource use, reduce administrative overhead, and eliminate duplication of roles.
The new system will also introduce training programs to equip staff with digital communication skills.
Established in 1957, the Ghana News Agency has served as the official state news provider, supplying credible reports to both local and international audiences. It has played a key role in national development by covering governance, economic, and social issues.
The Information Services Department, on the other hand, has historically been responsible for government public education campaigns.
Established during the colonial era, ISD has maintained a presence in all districts, facilitating government communication through community outreach programs. It also has public relations officers stationed at various ministries.
