The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend the operations of seven radio stations across the country.
The affected stations include Gumah FM in Bawku, Fire Group of Companies in Sunyani (operating on 90.1 MHz), and Okyeame Radio Limited in Bibiani, and I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale (89.7 MHz).
The rest are Abochannel Media Group, Adidome (105.7 MHz), Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman (99.7 MHz) and Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta (99.7 MHz).
A media advisory indicated that Gumah FM in Bawku was shut down for using its platform to incite violence, disrupt public order and escalate tensions in the region.
The six other stations were shut down due to failure to obtain valid frequency authorisations, in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
“Today, in two separate cases, I have directed the @NCAGhana to suspend and enforce a prohibition of broadcast on seven (7) radio stations in total.”
According to the minister, “in one instance, on national security grounds and in six other cases on the grounds of broadcasting without a valid frequency authorisation based on the recently requested frequency audit.” He added that enforcement of the directive was immediate and that “further action would be taken in the coming days.”
Sam Nartey George also reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that all media houses comply with the country's media regulations.
"I reiterate my commitment to sanitizing our airwaves and ensuring strict adherence to the law regarding frequency authorizations. I urge all media houses to ensure they are complying with ALL the terms of their frequency authorizations," he stated.
