By Valentia Tetteh
Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has issued a stern warning to all radio stations recently granted a reprieve after being shut down for regulatory breaches. He urged them to take full advantage of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama to regularise their operations or risk having their licences permanently revoked.
This follows President Mahama’s directive to the Ministry and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to restore the broadcast rights of over 60 radio stations, including popular outlets such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM, which were previously taken off air due to various infractions.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, June 12, the Minister stressed that the clemency window is the final opportunity for the affected stations to comply with broadcasting regulations.
“A few minutes ago, the President directed that the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation work with the NCA to allow all the affected radio stations some additional time to correct the identified breaches within a defined time frame,” he stated. “Those who fail to do so shall have their authorisation formally revoked under the law. In line with this directive, the Ministry has granted a further 30-day grace period to all the faulting entities.”
Earlier, President Mahama had called on the NCA to adopt a more flexible regulatory approach—one that enforces compliance without infringing on free speech or public access to information.
The Minister noted:
“Our goal is not punishment but accountability, order, and the responsible stewardship of critical public resources. The airwaves do not belong to the powerful and the connected; they belong to the public. Our fight is not against free speech but against lawlessness, asset misappropriation, and regulatory defiance.”
Meanwhile, the Minority in Parliament has criticised the President’s directive to suspend the NCA’s decision, describing it as an attack on the independence of regulatory authorities.
The caucus argued that the NCA’s actions were in conformity with due process and aligned with the Electronic Communications Act, 2008.
