NCA Ag DG highlights hegal limits in regulating Ghana’s broadcasting sector

Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), has highlighted constitutional constraints that limit the Authority’s ability to fully regulate Ghana’s broadcasting sector. He spoke at the “Broadcasting at the Crossroads” forum organised by the Africa Media Bureau at the Alisa Hotel on Friday, September 26, 2025.

Rev. Fianko explained that under current laws, the NCA can only reject a broadcasting authorisation if there is no available frequency, assuming all other requirements are met.

Currently, the only constitutional construct that we have has placed some limitations on the NCA. The only reason we have to decline a broadcasting authorisation properly when the person has met all other requirements is the unavailability of a frequency,” he said.

He further noted that while the constitution does not require a licence to operate a mass media outlet, spectrum resources still require strict regulation.

“Unlike other sectors where we regulate, and where we can look at the economics of the market and other metrics, when it comes to broadcasting, until the law changes, we are very limited,” Rev. Fianko added.

The Acting DG stressed the urgent need for legal reforms to grant the NCA broader regulatory powers, including assessing market economics and enforcing content standards in a broadcasting environment increasingly shaped by digital convergence.