The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has revealed that the government has granted a 30-day grace period to the 64 radio stations recently shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA). The move allows the affected stations time to correct regulatory breaches and resume broadcasting.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, June 12, Mr. George stated that the decision follows a directive from President John Dramani Mahama earlier that day. The President instructed the ministry and the NCA to work together to restore services while ensuring regulatory compliance.
“Mr. Speaker, a few minutes ago, His Excellency John Mahama directed that the Ministry work with the regulator at the NCA to allow all the affected radio stations some additional time to correct the identified breaches within a defined time frame,” the Minister told the House.
He further noted that any station that fails to regularise its authorization within the 30-day window would face formal revocation in accordance with the law.
As part of the government’s approach to ensure fairness and media freedom, Mr. George added that all applicable fines have been waived.
“This is not the same as the arbitrary revocations and hefty fines imposed under the previous administration,” he emphasized. “As a caring government, the Ministry has also been instructed to waive all the applicable fines.”
Background
The NCA on Thursday enforced the closure of 64 radio stations, including popular names such as Asaase Radio, Happy FM, and Wontumi FM. The sanctions were based on breaches of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), specifically Regulations 54 and 56.
The shutdown triggered public concern about media freedom and regulatory overreach, prompting President Mahama’s swift intervention.
With this 30-day reprieve, affected stations now have the opportunity to regularize their status and return to the airwaves without financial penalties.
