President Mahama Intervenes to Avert Closure of 64 Radio Stations Amid Licensing Dispute
President John Dramani Mahama has directed Ghana’s Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to engage the National Communications Authority (NCA) in a bid to reverse regulatory actions that have affected the operations of 64 radio stations across the country.
In a statement issued by the Presidency, the directive seeks to ensure the immediate restoration of broadcasting services for the affected stations, which have been impacted by what the regulator described as non-compliance with licensing requirements.
President Mahama argued that while regulatory compliance is important, such enforcement should not be carried out in a manner that undermines media freedom. He noted that shutting down radio stations pending the regularisation of their authorisation risks stifling freedom of expression in the country.
“The President believes that regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom,” the statement read, adding that the current approach “could limit the space for expressing such freedoms.”
The President has instructed the Minister to work with the NCA to establish a “reasonable timeframe” within which the affected stations can regularise their operational status.
The intervention comes amid heightened scrutiny of regulatory frameworks governing Ghana’s media landscape, with critics accusing the NCA of heavy-handed enforcement tactics. Media rights groups have expressed concern over the closures, warning that such actions could erode democratic gains in freedom of expression.
Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the President’s spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, signed the statement, reinforcing the administration’s stance on balancing regulatory oversight with the need to protect civil liberties.
The NCA is yet to issue a formal response to the directive.
