Parliament divided over shutdown of seven radio stations

A decision by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to shut down seven radio stations for alleged regulatory violations has sparked controversy in Parliament, with the Minority questioning the legality of the move.

The shutdown directive, issued on February 18, 2025, instructed the Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take immediate action against the stations, citing their failure to renew frequency authorizations, fulfil statutory payment obligations, or submit required documentation. The ministry referenced Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) as the legal basis for the action.

The affected stations include:

• Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani (90.1MHz)
• I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale (89.7MHz)
• Abochannel Media Group, Adidome (105.7MHz)
• Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani (99.7MHz)
• Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman (99.7MHz)
• Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta (99.7MHz)

While the Communications Ministry maintains that the shutdowns were strictly regulatory, the Minority in Parliament has raised concerns over procedural lapses. Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has questioned whether due process was followed, arguing that media oversight falls under the jurisdiction of the National Media Commission (NMC), not the minister.

“I find it very strange that the minister will issue such a directive,” Afenyo-Markin stated. “The National Media Commission is responsible for making determinations on media operations. I urge the Leader of Government Business to summon the minister to explain the decision.”