Comply within 30 days – Sam George warns suspended stations

Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Sam Nartey George, has given a 30-day ultimatum to the 62 radio stations recently suspended by the National Communications Authority (NCA), urging them to regularize their operations and return to the airwaves.

This follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama, who intervened in the matter, emphasizing the importance of balancing regulatory enforcement with the protection of media freedom.

Addressing Parliament on Thursday, June 12, Sam George explained that the NCA’s action was not an attack on free speech but a necessary response to persistent regulatory breaches.

He stated that while media freedom remains a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy, it must operate within the bounds of the law.

He confirmed that following the President’s intervention, the Ministry had engaged the NCA to waive all penalties and grant a one-month grace period for affected stations to resolve their licensing and regulatory issues.

Among the suspended outlets are prominent stations such as Asaase Radio, Happy FM, and Wontumi Radio, which were cited for violations under Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011.

A statement from the Office of the President, signed by Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, reiterated the government’s commitment to media freedom but stressed that due process must be followed.

Mr. George assured stakeholders that the Ministry would continue working to create a fair and accountable media environment, urging all affected stations to seize the opportunity to comply and avoid future sanctions.