By Josephine Amuzu
The Majority in Parliament has dismissed demands to summon the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, following the closure of seven radio stations.
A media advisory from the Communications Ministry confirmed that the affected stations were shut down for operating without valid frequency authorizations, in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
The stations include:
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)
Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta (99.7 MHz)
Additionally, the government has ordered the immediate closure of Gumah FM in Bawku following “urgent national security concerns” raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
Addressing the issue in Parliament, Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the minister’s actions, stating that he was simply enforcing the law.
“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 authorization.”
“How is that a matter for the minister to be summoned to answer? Are you trying to prevent ministers from doing their jobs?” he asked.
Ayariga further stressed that all stations must comply with licensing regulations and warned that unauthorized stations would continue to face shutdowns.
“The minister will shut the radio stations down today, and tomorrow they should go for authorization. If the stations had frequency authorization, 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 added.
