Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Sam Nartey George, has announced a 30-day grace period for 64 suspended radio stations to rectify their regulatory infractions and resume broadcasting, following a directive from President John Dramani Mahama.
Mr. George, addressing Parliament on Thursday, June 12, after the President’s intervention, called on the affected stations to take advantage of the opportunity.
He affirmed his commitment to ensuring a fair and enabling environment for media operations in Ghana, stating that the government will continue to engage all stakeholders to uphold both regulatory standards and democratic freedoms.
READ: Mahama calls for clemency as NCA shuts down 64 radio stations
The intervention comes after the National Communications Authority (NCA) suspended the operations of several radio stations; including Asaase Radio, Happy FM, and Wontumi Radio; over persistent breaches of broadcasting regulations.
The suspensions were based on provisions in Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, as well as conditions attached to their FM broadcasting authorizations.
In response, President Mahama directed Sam George to engage the NCA and ensure a more measured approach that balances regulatory enforcement with the need to protect media freedom.
READ: NCA orders 62 broadcasting stations to suspend operations over licensing violations
Acting on this directive, the Minister has successfully negotiated a 30-day window with the NCA to allow the affected stations to purge themselves of the cited infractions and regularize their operations.
In a statement issued by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President stressed that while regulatory compliance is important, it must not come at the expense of press freedom.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/Hamdia Mohammed
