Majority Defends Closure of 7 Radio Stations, Rejects Calls to Summon Communications Minister

Parliament/Accra, Ghana - 25 Feb, 2025 - The Majority in Ghana's Parliament has rejected opposition calls to summon the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, over the closure of seven radio stations.

The stations were shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for operating without valid frequency authorizations, in violation of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008.

The affected stations include;

• 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, Nkrankwanta (99.7 MHz)

The government also ordered the immediate closure of Gumah FM in Bawku, citing security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council.

Defending the minister's actions, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga stated that the minister's actions were justified, as the stations had failed to comply with licensing requirements. He emphasized that all stations must adhere to these regulations to avoid shutdowns.

“I am surprised that you will make the minister the subject of castigation and unnecessary attacks, trying to question his competence when all he is saying in this communication is that the NCA Director General is enforcing the law because these stations are operating without authorization.

“How is that a matter for the minister to be summoned to answer? Are you trying to prevent ministers from doing their jobs?” he asked.

“The minister will shut the radio stations down today, and tomorrow they should go for authorization. If the stations had frequency authorization, he wouldn’t have shut them down. Why didn’t he shut down Joy FM, Citi FM, and all other stations that are operating legally?” he added.

Source: Lead News Online