Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Sam George, has ordered the shutdown of seven radio stations due to licensing and security concerns. Six of these stations were operating without valid frequency authorizations, while the seventh, Gumah FM in Bawku, was closed based on national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council.
The affected stations include:
- Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani – 90.1MHz
- I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale – 89.7MHz
- Abochannel Media Group, Adidome – 105.7MHz
- Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani – 99.7MHz
- Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman – 99.7MHz
- Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta – 99.7MHz
According to the Ministry for Communication, the six stations failed to renew their authorizations, fulfill statutory payment obligations, or submit the required documentation within the deadline. The ministry emphasized that operating a radio station without valid authorization is unlawful under Act 775.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has assured that it will enforce strict compliance and halt unauthorized broadcasts. Sam George also reaffirmed his commitment to regulating the airwaves and ensuring that media houses adhere to the law.
This move comes amid ongoing reforms at the NCA, including the recent dismissal of Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo, the former Director of Cyber Security, as part of a shake-up in the authority’s management.
