Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation Address Parliament
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, has disclosed that the six (6) FM stations were directed to cease operations on 18th of February 2025 by the National Communications Authority (NCA) due to the lack of valid authorizations as required by Section 24 of the Electronic Communications Act,2008 (Act 775).
According to him, all the affected stations were given ample opportunity to renew their expired authorizations, but failed to do so. However, the Minister noted that all six (6) radio stations have since resumed operations after rectifying their infractions.
He further explained that the NCA issues a notice to operators six months before the expiration of their licenses. If the operators fail to act and the period reaches 90 days before expiration, the license can no longer be renewed. The operator must apply for a fresh authorization, in accordance with the law. “So our appeal to media houses is we respect their freedom of expression, but as media practitioners, you have a responsibility to respect the law.”
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations made this revelation in response to a question posed by the Minority Leader, Hon. Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin.
The question concerned the circumstances that necessitated the closure of the following radio stations (i) Fire Group of companies, Sunyani 90.1MHz, (ii) 1-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale 89.7 MHz, Abo Channel Media Group, Adidome 105.7MHz, (iii) Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani99.7MHz,(
(iv)MumeBonoFoundationTechiman,99.7MHz, (v)OsikaniCommunityFM, Nkrankwata,99.7 MHz, (vi) Gumah FM station.
