No more leniency after deadline; only 18 of 62 radio stations comply – Sam George

Minister for Communications and Digital Technology, Samuel Nartey George, has warned that no further leniency will be granted to suspended radio stations that fail to regularize their operations before the expiration of the 30-day grace period.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, July 3, Mr. George expressed frustration over the low response rate from affected stations, stressing that the government will take decisive action once the deadline passes.

Out of the 62 radio stations that were suspended by the National Communications Authority (NCA) for various infractions, only 18 have taken steps to engage with the regulator to address their challenges.

The remaining 44, according to him have made no effort to comply.

“We have nine days left of the 30-day grace period. Of the 62 stations, only 18 have made an effort to reach out to the NCA to try and remedy their challenges. In fact, of the 18, the challenges that they have, they will not be able to complete it in their nine days,” Mr. George stated.

He stressed that for the 18 stations that have shown good faith, the NCA has been directed to grant them an additional 30 days to complete the necessary processes, including the possibility of operating under test transmission conditions.

However, Mr. George made it clear that for the rest, there will be no excuses or second chances after the grace period ends.

“But for those who make no effort whatsoever on the exploration of their nine days, enforcement will be carried out again. And this time, I don’t think the President is going to show further leniency. And so, notice is served again, nine days to the end of their 30 days” the Minister cautioned.

The suspension of the 62 radio stations, including prominent outlets like Asaase Radio, Happy FM, and Wontumi Radio, followed regulatory breaches under Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011.

President John Dramani Mahama intervened by granting the stations a 30-day window to resolve their licensing and regulatory challenges, emphasizing that while the government supports press freedom, it must go hand in hand with accountability and respect for the law.

Mr. George urged all affected stations to take advantage of the few remaining days or risk facing full regulatory sanctions with no room for clemency.