President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to collaborate with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately resume broadcasting of sixty-four radio stations that were recently closed owing to regulatory concerns.
The ruling comes amid fears that curtailing radio operations while their authorisation is being formalised may threaten media freedom.
More than 60 FM broadcasting stations across the country, including famous sources such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM, were ordered by the NCA to suspend operations immediately due to repeated regulatory infractions.
However, in a statement issued on Thursday, June 12, President Mahama highlighted the necessity of striking a balance between compliance and free expression protection, pushing authorities to explore a more accommodating approach.
“The President believes that regulatory compliance must consider the need to protect and enhance media freedom,” declared Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
To facilitate a smooth transition, President Mahama directed the Minister to work with the NCA to determine a fair timetable for the impacted stations to complete the required regularisation processes.
