Parliament House, Accra – June 12, 2025
An attempt by the Member of Parliament for Abirim to politicize President John Dramani Mahama’s intervention in halting the planned shutdown of certain defaulting radio stations has faced sharp criticism, following intense media scrutiny.
This followed a statement delivered earlier in the day on the floor of Parliament by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George. In the address, the Ningo-Prampram MP outlined the Ministry’s ongoing enforcement of FM broadcasting regulations in collaboration with the National Communications Authority (NCA).
According to the Minister, phase two of the enforcement drive targets 64 FM stations found to be in breach of regulatory requirements. He explained that:
- 28 stations continue to broadcast despite having expired authorisations.
- 14 stations failed to establish operations within the mandated two-year period but remain on air unlawfully.
- 13 stations have been granted Provisional Authorisation but have not paid the requisite fees.
- 7 stations paid their fees but are yet to undergo final inspection and receive full authorisation.
To ensure fairness and offer a window for regularisation, the President has directed the Ministry to grant a 30-day amnesty for all affected stations to rectify their status—a move that was largely seen as compassionate and pragmatic.
However, at a hurriedly convened press conference in Parliament shortly after the Minister’s statement, the MP for Abirem, Charles Asuako Owiredu flanked by some Minority members, accused the President of executive overreach, alleging interference in the NCA’s regulatory functions. He further claimed that the shutdowns disproportionately targeted stations affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).
But when pressed by journalists to clarify the Minority’s position on the violations cited and to justify their opposition to the 30-day grace period, the MP failed to provide coherent answers and abruptly exited the briefing—raising eyebrows.
The incident highlighted a growing shift in Ghanaian journalism, where media professionals are increasingly holding politicians accountable and resisting the role of passive conveyors of unverified political rhetoric.
The Communications Ministry has reiterated that the enforcement measures are status-neutral, focusing strictly on compliance and the responsible use of the national broadcasting spectrum.
Source: Clement Akoloh||PNAfrica
