COVID-19: Ghanaian media houses sack workers over financial constraints

Over a hundred workers have reportedly been sent home by some media houses in Ghana as the COVID-19 takes a toll on their operations.

Although some of the media houses were facing financial constraints before the COVID-19 outbreak, their woes have since worsened compelling their management to terminate the appointment of some workers.

The Multimedia Group Limited which is one of the leading media houses in the West African country is said to have laid off a few staff.

Those affected included news editors, presenters and other journalists working with the company’s numerous subsidiaries.

 

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I have got Good news and bad news everyone! With immediate effect as of yesterday, my now former employers, Multimedia Group, terminated my appointment. That’s the bad news. Now for the good news, such situations only give my God the opportunity to show up. It’s not an easy time to be out of a regular and steady income. We are not in normal times, but hey, I would like to use this opportunity to encourage everyone who has lost their job or income during these difficult times to not lose hope. Hope is an amazing thing that gives us the ability to stand and trust God in such difficult circumstances. Don’t lose hope. Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans. I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Stay tuned for some more news soon.

A post shared by Naa Ashorkor Mensah-Doku (@naa_ashorkor_) on May 5, 2020 at 11:12pm PDT

Payment of salaries delayed

Sources say some of the affected media houses were delaying payment of salaries before the outbreak of COVID-19.

Some of the media houses are struggling to settle salary arrears for several months.

In other instances, some of the media outlets have delayed weeks into the next month due to the financial constraints.

Last week, the Excellence in Broadcasting (EIB) media conglomerate also terminated the appointment of some of its experienced hands who have worked with the company for years.

Management of the company said it has been compelled to mutually separate from the sacked workers.

I am happy to announce that after 5 years and 9 months of being with STARR FM & the EIB family , we have decided to mutually part ways . I’d like to thank everyone who worked with me from the Drop off to The Zone..And everyone who tuned in to my shows. All the best . pic.twitter.com/hZCriPn4wl

— Jon Germain (@jongermain) May 2, 2020

Reports also suggest that other media outlets in the Ghanaian capital Accra are likely to also send home workers as COVID-19 affects their finances.

There have been mixed reactions to the development especially on social media.

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Source: Africafeeds.com