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The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has ordered the closure of seven radio stations across the country.
He mentioned that the choice was made to ensure adherence to broadcasting rules and national security standards.
He stated that one station was closed for national security reasons, while the other six were determined to be running without proper frequency authorization. The Minister mentioned that the enforcement comes after a frequency audit that was recently carried out.
Announcing the directive in a Facebook post on Tuesday, 18th February, the Minister said, “Today, in two separate cases, I have directed the National Communications Authority Ghana to suspend and enforce a prohibition of broadcast on seven (7) radio stations in total.”
Samuel Nartey George stressed that the directive should be implemented right away, with additional steps anticipated in the upcoming days
“Enforcement of the directive is immediate. Further action would be taken in the coming days,” he stated.
Reiterating his dedication to media regulations, the Minister urged all media organizations to comply rigorously with the terms of their frequency licenses.
“Once again, I reiterate my commitment to sanitising our airwaves and ensuring strict adherence to the law concerning frequency authorisations. I urge all media houses to ensure they are complying with ALL the terms of their frequency authorisations,” he added.
A media advisory from the ministry confirmed that six stations were shut down due to failure to obtain valid frequency authorisations, in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). 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 ministry explained that these stations had “failed to renew their authorisations, fulfil statutory payment obligations, or submit the required documentation within the stipulated timeframe.” As a result, their continued operations were deemed illegal, and the NCA was tasked with ensuring compliance.
National Security concerns
In a separate case, the government has ordered the immediate closure of Gumah FM in Bawku following “urgent national security concerns” raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC). Intelligence reports suggested that the station had been “used as a platform to incite violence, disrupt public order, and escalate tensions in the region.”
The directive was issued under Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, which allows the NCA to revoke frequency authorisations in the interest of national security and public order. The ministry has warned that ongoing monitoring will be conducted to prevent the re-establishment of illegal platforms.
Reaffirming his stance, Mr George stated: “Once again, I reiterate my commitment to sanitising our airwaves and ensuring strict adherence with the law concerning frequency authorisations.” He urged all media houses to ensure full compliance with their broadcasting regulations.
NKONKONSA.com
