The Majority in Parliament has dismissed demands to summon the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, following the closure of seven radio stations.
The shutdowns, according to the Communications Ministry, were due to the affected stations operating without valid frequency authorizations, in violation of **Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
A media advisory from the Ministry of Communications listed the stations affected by the action, which 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), and Osikani Community FM (Nkrankwanta – 99.7 MHz).
Additionally, Gumah FM in Bawku was also shut down following urgent national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
In response to criticisms, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the Minister’s decision, arguing that he was simply enforcing existing regulations.
He expressed disappointment over attempts to vilify the Minister, stating, “I am surprised that you will make the minister the subject of castigation and unnecessary attacks, trying to question his competence when all he is saying in this communication is that the NCA Director General is enforcing the law because these stations are operating without authorisation.”
Mr. Ayariga further justified the closures, maintaining that radio stations must adhere to licensing regulations.
He asserted that any station operating illegally would face shutdowns, and those affected had the option of applying for proper authorisation.
“The minister will shut the radio stations down today, and tomorrow they should go for authorisation. If the stations had frequency authorisation, he wouldn’t have shut them down. Why didn’t he shut down Joy FM, Citi FM, and all other stations that are operating legally?” he questioned.
The Majority remains firm in its position that the Minister acted within the scope of the law. It has thus rejected calls for him to be summoned, insisting that regulatory compliance is non-negotiable and must be upheld to ensure fair and legal broadcasting practices across the country.
