The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, has characterized President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to grant clemency to the 64 suspended radio stations as a move primarily for the optics.
The suspension of these radio stations was due to regulatory breaches. In response, the President directed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to work with the National Communications Authority to promptly reinstate the broadcast licenses of the affected stations.
Furthermore, he instructed the Minister to collaborate with the stations to address the alleged breaches.
However, during a parliamentary session on Thursday, June 12, 2024 was not mentioned but rather 2025, Afenyo-Markin questioned the genuineness of the President’s action, suggesting it was a knee-jerk reaction to public pressure rather than a sincere commitment to media freedom.
He emphasised that the Minority caucus remains unconvinced by the government’s motives, stressing that such belated actions, undertaken solely for appearances, will not benefit the country’s democracy.
“Couldn’t this have been discussed in-house prior to this decision? These are things that are done for optics when the political system sees that there’s a backlash. It’s a very rich statement. We take this supposed clemency with a pinch of salt.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
