The Minority in Parliament is demanding that the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, be summoned to explain the recent shutdown of some radio stations across the country.

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This follows the directive issued by the Minister on February 18, 2025, instructing the Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take immediate enforcement action against stations found to be operating without valid frequency authorizations. The decision was based on violations of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

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According to a statement from the Communications Ministry, these stations failed to renew their frequency authorizations, settle statutory payments, or submit the necessary documentation within the required timeframe. This, the Ministry said, led to the automatic lapse of their licenses, making their continued operations illegal.

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However, the Minority has challenged the legality of the shutdown. Raising concerns on the floor of Parliament, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin questioned whether due process had been followed and whether the minister had overstepped his authority by issuing the directive.

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“In my view, the National Media Commission is the body responsible for making certain determinations and recommendations as to the conduct of some of these radio stations in our country,” Afenyo-Markin argued.

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Expressing his disapproval, he further called on the Leader of Government Business to summon the minister to appear before Parliament and clarify the reasons behind his decision.

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“I find it very strange that the minister will issue such a directive. I will therefore, based on these concerns, pray that the leader of government business indulges the house to invite the minister to come and brief the house on what resulted in his action,” he stated.

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The Minority insists that this issue raises serious concerns about media freedom and regulatory overreach, urging Parliament to scrutinize the matter thoroughly.

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The affected stations include:

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Fire Group of Companies in Sunyani (90.1MHz)

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I-Zar Consult Limited in Tamale (89.7MHz)

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Abochannel Media Group in Adidome (105.7MHz)

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Okyeame Radio Limited in Bibiani (99.7MHz)

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Mumen Bono Foundation in Techiman (99.7MHz)

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Osikani Community FM in Nkrankwanta (99.7MHz)

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