The Minority in Parliament has demanded that Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, appear before the House to explain why he directed the shutdown of some radio stations.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin is demanding answers about whether due process was followed during the shutdown of the affected stations.
He argued that the National Media Commission, not the minister, should oversee such matters.
“In my view, the National Media Commission is the body responsible for making certain determinations and recommendations as to the conduct of some of these radio stations in our country.
“I find it very strange that the minister will issue such a directive. I will therefore, based on these concerns, pray that the leader of government business indulges the house to invite the minister to come and brief the house on what resulted in his action.”
Background
Minister Samuel Nartey George on February 18, 2025, directed the Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take immediate enforcement action against six radio stations for operating without valid frequency authorisations.
He premised his directive on violations of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
The affected stations are Fire Group of Companies in Sunyani (90.1 MHz), I-Zar Consult Limited in Tamale (89.7 MHz), Abochannel Media Group in Adidome (105.7 MHz), Okyeame Radio Limited in Bibiani (99.7 MHz), Mumen Bono Foundation in Techiman (99.7 MHz), and Osikani Community FM in Nkrankwanta (99.7 MHz).
A statement from the Communications Ministry indicated that these entities had failed to renew their frequency authorisations, fulfil statutory payment obligations, or submit the required documentation within the stipulated timeframe, resulting in the automatic lapse of their authorisations and rendering their continued operations illegal under the law.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
