Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has expressed disappointment over the low number of radio stations that have taken steps to rectify regulatory breaches following their suspension by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
Addressing the media on Thursday, July 3, Mr. George revealed that only 18 out of the 62 radio stations that were suspended for various infractions have made contact with the NCA to resolve their issues.
This comes with just nine days left in the 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama to allow the affected stations to regularize their operations.
The Minister described the reluctance of the remaining 44 stations to engage with the NCA as a show of bad faith, despite the government’s efforts to offer them a second chance.
“We have nine days left of the 30-day grace period. Of the 62 stations, only 18 have made an effort to reach out to the NCA to try and remedy their challenges. In fact, of the 18, the challenges that they have, they will not be able to complete it in their nine days,” Mr. George stated.
To ensure fairness and dispel any perception of a targeted campaign, the Minister announced that the NCA has been directed to grant an additional 30-day extension to the 18 stations that have already shown willingness to comply.
He added that those stations may be allowed to operate on a test transmission basis while they complete the full process.
“We have directed the NCA that for all the 18 who have reached out, they should serve them notices, giving them a 30-day extension to complete the requirements that they need. In the interim, for those who would have to then operate on test transmission would have to do so, whilst they wait to complete the process,” he cautioned.
The initial suspension, which affected major stations including Asaase Radio, Happy FM, and Wontumi Radio, stemmed from breaches of Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011.
President Mahama had intervened to grant the suspended stations a 30-day grace period, emphasizing the importance of enforcing regulations while safeguarding media freedom.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to fostering a fair and accountable media landscape and urged all affected stations to seize the remaining window of opportunity to resolve their infractions and return to the airwaves legally.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
