SECTOR 3 The NMC, perceived as more independent and somewhat less likely to be interfered with by government, has been “audacious in that it is willing to test the law.” That said, it is “not financially liberated, and depends on the state for its funding. The grants, however, do not fully meet the needs of the Commission. “If they had the money, they would be able to do a lot more.” One panellist suggested, however, that “financial weakness and independence are two different things”, and pointed out that the NMC, “has been creative in its search for funds” by occasionally partnering with other organisations to help carry its costs, as programmes funded by donors alone are not sustainable. Scores: Individual scores: 1 Country does not meet indicator 2 Country meets only a few aspects of indicator 3 Country meets some aspects of indicator 4 Country meets most aspects of indicator 5 Country meets all aspects of the indicator Average score: 2.8 (2006:n/a; 2008:n/a; 2011:1.3; 2013:2.5) 3.3 The body, which regulates broadcasting services and licenses, does so in the public interest and ensures fairness and a diversity of views broadly representing society at large. The NCA deals with awarding broadcast licences but has been criticised for favouring those with political connections and for not being transparent in the award process. “There’s a sort of segregation when it comes to licencing, and this results in conglomerations in some of these media.” In 2015, the NCA issued an ultimatum, calling on licence holders to use their licences, or have them taken away from them. It is unclear what the results of this exercise were. The Authority falls under the mandate of the Ministry of Information. State institutions such as the military, police, fire service, customs division and others have been denied licences. Such denial has been within the context that AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER GHANA 2017 49