In a dramatic policy reversal that has sent ripples through Ghana’s media and political landscape, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced a 30-day reprieve for 60 radio stations previously shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for operating with expired authorizations.
The decision follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, offering the affected stations a grace period to regularize their licenses without incurring penalties.
READ: Mahama calls for clemency as NCA shuts down 64 radio stations
Addressing Parliament, Minister Nartey George explained that the move is intended to strike a balance between media freedom and regulatory enforcement. He stated that, as part of what the government describes as a more compassionate and democratic approach, all fines that would have been imposed on the stations have been waived.
“This is not the same as the arbitrary revocations and hefty fines imposed under the previous administration,” he noted.
READ: You’ve 30 days to comply- Sam George to suspended radio stations
“As a caring government, the Ministry has also been instructed to waive all the applicable fines.”
However, the announcement drew mixed reactions in Parliament. From the Minority side, Matthew Nyindam, Ranking Member on the Information and Communications Committee, expressed cautious concern. He questioned the potential precedent the President’s directive might set and warned that any solution must uphold the rule of law.
Effutu MP and Minority Leader, Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, was more critical. He strongly condemned the President’s action, describing it as an overreach that could undermine the independence of regulatory bodies like the NCA.
READ: NCA crackdown not attack on media freedom, but lawlessness – Sam George
“These are things that are done for the optics when the political system sees backlash. It is a very rich statement,” he said.
“We take this supposed clemency with a pinch of salt. The NCA and the Ministry embark on one path, and then the President, using his supervisory powers, says ‘don’t do it.’”
READ: Closure of media stations politically motivated – Charles Wiredu
In defense, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga praised the President’s intervention, calling it both practical and necessary. He urged the affected stations to take advantage of the window to settle outstanding fees and update their licenses.
Adding an external perspective, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) criticized what it described as hypocrisy from some Minority members, noting inconsistencies in their past positions on similar issues. MFWA Executive Director Sulemana Braimah highlighted the importance of a principled, non-partisan approach to media freedom.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) have also expressed support for the President’s move. The GJA warned that the shutdowns could severely undermine media freedom and freedom of expression, while GIBA President Cecil Sunkwa-Mills described the reprieve as a “second chance” and urged broadcasters not to waste the opportunity.
READ: GJA commends President Mahama for halting shutdown of 64 radio stations
As the 30-day window continues to tick down, public attention remains fixed on whether the affected stations will comply — and what the broader implications will be for press freedom, regulatory integrity, and political accountability in Ghana’s media landscape.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
