The Majority Leader, Mr. Mahama Ayariga, has strongly defended the Minister for Communication, Innovation, and Digital Technology, Mr. Samuel Nartey George, over his recent directive to shut down several media houses.
According to Mr. Ayariga, the minister acted within the law and did nothing wrong in instructing the acting Director of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to enforce regulations.
Speaking on the matter, Mr. Ayariga clarified that the affected media houses had violated the law by operating without valid radio frequency authorization licenses.
He emphasized that the minister’s actions were in line with efforts to ensure compliance and maintain regulatory standards.
“The minister will continue to shut down radio stations that operate outside the law, today and always,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
His remarks come in response to calls from the Minority Chief Whip, Mr. Frank Annor Dompreh, who has urged Parliament to summon Mr. George to explain his decision.
Mr. Dompreh insists that the minister does not have the authority to unilaterally order the closure of media houses.
The debate was sparked by a statement from the Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Mr. Davis Ansah Opoku, who condemned the minister’s directive, arguing that it undermines press freedom.
The issue has since divided Parliament, with some MPs supporting the enforcement of regulations while others view the move as an overreach of executive power.
