The Minority in Parliament is calling for the summoning of the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to explain the recent shutdown of seven radio stations.
On February 18, 2025, the minister directed the acting director-general of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take immediate enforcement action against several stations for operating without valid frequency authorizations, citing breaches of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
The affected stations include Fire Group of Companies in Sunyani, I-Zar Consult Limited in Tamale (89.7MHz), and others.
A statement from the Communications Ministry indicated that these entities had failed to renew their frequency authorizations, meet statutory payment obligations, or submit the required documentation within the stipulated timeframe.
As a result, their authorizations automatically lapsed, making their continued operations illegal under the law.
Reacting to the directive, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin raised concerns over whether due process was followed, arguing that the National Media Commission (NMC) is the appropriate body to handle such matters.
He questioned the minister’s authority in issuing the directive and urged the leader of government business to summon him before Parliament to justify the decision.
“In my view, the National Media Commission is the body responsible for making certain determinations and recommendations as to the conduct of some of these radio stations in our country.
“I find it very strange that the minister will issue such a directive. I will therefore, based on these concerns, pray that the leader of government business indulges the house to invite the minister to come and brief Parliament on what resulted in his action,” Afenyo-Markin stated.
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