The Minister of Communications, Samuel Nartey George, has ordered the shutdown of seven radio stations, citing national security concerns and unauthorized broadcasting.
In a statement, Sam George explained that the National Communications Authority (NCA) has been directed to suspend and enforce a prohibition of broadcast on the seven stations.
One of the stations, Gumah FM in Bawku, was shut down due to national security concerns.
According to him, the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) had raised concerns about the station’s role in inciting violence and disrupting public order.
The shutdown is in accordance with Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, which empowers the NCA to suspend or revoke frequency authorizations in the interest of national security.
The other six stations were shut down for operating without valid frequency authorizations.
These stations include Fire Group of Companies in Sunyani, I-Zar Consult Limited in Tamale, Abochannel Media Group in Adidome, Okyeame Radio Limited in Bibiani, Mumen Bono Foundation in Techiman, and Osikani Community FM in Nkrankwanta.
According to Sam George, these stations had failed to renew their authorizations, fulfill statutory payment obligations, or submit required documentation within the stipulated timeframe.
The NCA has been tasked with taking immediate enforcement action against these stations, including halting all unauthorized transmissions and ensuring compliance with the law.
The Ministry of Communications is also conducting a review of the frequency authorization audit and will provide further directives in due course.
This move is part of the NDC government’s efforts to sanitize the airwaves and ensure strict adherence to the law concerning frequency authorizations.
However, Sam George urged all media houses to ensure they are complying with the terms of their frequency authorization to avoid similar enforcement actions.
