Communications Minister Responds To The Minority Leader Over Radio Stations..

The National Communications Authority (NCA) was recently ordered to shut down seven radio stations by Samuel Nartey George, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations.

One of these stations was shut down because of national security concerns, and six others were accused of using frequencies that were not authorized. Among the stations impacted are:

•Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani (90.1 MHz)

• I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale (89.7 MHz)

• Abochannel Media Group, Adidome (105.7 MHz)

• Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani (99.7 MHz)

• Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman (99.7 MHz)

• Osikani Community FM and Nkrankwanta (99.7 MHz)

• Gumah FM, Bawku

According to reports, the first six stations were using frequencies without valid authorizations because they had not renewed their licenses, paid their statutory obligations, or turned in the necessary paperwork by the deadline. Following the Upper East Regional Security Council’s urgent national security concerns, Gumah FM in Bawku was also shut down.

In Ghana, this action has generated a lot of discussion. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, the minority leader, questioned the minister’s order, claiming that the National Media Commission (NMC), not the minister, should be in charge of media regulation. In order to explain the decision and determine whether due process was followed, he demanded that the minister be called before Parliament.

Ghana Is Still Weak To Global Shocks —A New World Bank Report

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in addition to the NMC, has voiced concerns about the closures and cautioned that such actions could threaten press freedom and media pluralism. The MFWA questioned the fairness and transparency of the shutdowns, especially the possibility of political meddling in media regulation, even as it acknowledged the necessity of regulatory enforcement.

Hon. Sam George responded to the Minority leader by restating his resolve to clean up the airways and make sure that the law governing frequency authorizations is strictly followed. He called on all media outlets to make sure that their broadcasting laws are followed to the letter.