Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga has dismissed demands to summon the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, over the closure of seven radio stations.
According to the Bawku Central MP, Mr. George was only enforcing existing regulations, stating that attempts to vilify him were disappointing.
“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,” he stated on the floor of Parliament.
The Minister, on February 18, 2025, directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to shut down seven radio stations.
A media advisory from the ministry listed the affected stations as 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).
The ministry justified the move, stating that the affected stations were operating without valid frequency authorisations, in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
On the back of this, Mr. Ayariga maintained that radio stations must adhere to licensing regulations.
He emphasised 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.
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