Sam George Directs National Communications Authority To Shut Down 7 Radio Stations
- The Minister for Communication, Sam George, has directed the shutdown of seven radio station frequencies
- Six of the frequencies were operating without authorisation, while one other was closed on security grounds
- Gumah FM in Bawku was shut down following urgent national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council
- YEN.com.gh spoke to Kwaku Anno-Kumi Esq. about the legal impact the closure has on a legal ground
PAY ATTENTION: NOW You can COMMENT on our articles on the YEN website! Learn how to get started.
Minister for Communication Sam George has directed the National Communications Authority to shut down seven radio station frequencies.
Six of these stations were operating without valid frequency authorisations, while one other was closed on security grounds.
Source: Facebook
Gumah FM in Bawku was shut down following urgent national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council.
The other stations affected were:
- 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
The Ministry for Communication, in a statement, explained that aside from Gumah FM, the other six failed to renew their authorisations, fulfil statutory payment obligations, or submit the required documentation within the stipulated timeframe.
As a result, their authorisations lapsed, and in accordance with Act 775, it is unlawful to operate a broadcasting service without a valid frequency authorisation.
The National Communications Authority noted that it will take the necessary steps to halt all unauthorised transmissions and ensure compliance with the law.
The Ministry for Communication is currently engaged in a frequency authorisation audit and will provide further directives in due course.
Number of FM frequencies in Ghana
As of 2023, the National CommunicatiAuthority had given frequency authorisations to 747 FM broadcasting stations in Ghana.
Out of the total number of authorised FM broadcasting stations, 550 were operating.
Below is a breakdown of Authorisations in Classification groups:
- 31 Public Radio Stations
- 5 Public (Foreign) Radio Stations
- 137 Community Radio Stations
- 25 Campus Radio Stations and
- 549 Commercial Radio Stations
Public stations are stations owned and operated by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) or any other station established by the government of Ghana by a statutory enactment.
Public Foreign stations are established by foreign governments through diplomatic arrangements to rebroadcast or relay content from foreign countries.
Commercial stations are privately owned and operated for profit.
Community radio stations are non-profit broadcasting services provided for a specific marginalised community by a radio or television station, while campus radio stations operate within the ambit of educational institutions.
In a post on Facebook, George assured of his commitment to sanitising the airwaves and ensuring strict adherence to the law concerning frequency authorisations.
Once again, I reiterate my commitment to sanitising our airwaves and ensuring strict adherence with the law concerning frequency authorisations. I urge all media houses to ensure they are complying with ALL the terms of their frequency authorisations.
Changes at National Communications Authority
George recently shook up the management of the National Communications Authority by sacking its director for cyber security, Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo.
The termination is effective from February 14, 2025, when the letter was issued by the Ministry of Communication.
The dismissal letter signed by ministry's Chief Director Alexander Yaw Arphul directed Osafo-Maafo to hand over his duties to the acting director general of the authority.
Kwadwo Gyamfi Osafo-Maafo is notably the son of Yaw Osafo-Maafo, a former senior minister and senior presidential adviser to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
Similarly, President John Mahama removed Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo as director-general of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
Kofi Bosompem Osafo-Maafo, brother to Kwadwo Gyamfi Osaafo-Maafo, was appointed director-general of SSNIT by Akufo-Addo in February 2024, replacing Dr John Ofori Koranteng.
Speaking with Kwaku Anno-Kumi Esq. about the legal impact the closure has on a legal ground, he said the closure infringes on the fundamental rights protected by the 1992 constitution. He also shared a few legal implications.
"While regulatory compliance is essential, the enforcement of such regulations must align with constitutional provisions. The abrupt closure of media outlets, especially on grounds of national security, necessitates a transparent and accountable process. Failure to adhere to due process can lead to legal challenges, with affected parties potentially seeking redress in court for violations of their constitutional rights." he said
Sam George hints at SIM re-registration
YEN.com.gh reported that the government is considering another SIM re-registration exercise.
Speaking during his vetting by the Appointments Committee on January 30, George criticised the past approach, stating that a more logical and seamless process would be implemented.
He also said technology would cross-reference the National Identification Authority's database.
The most recent registration was held on October 1, 2021, with people linking their Ghana Cards to their SIMs. SIMs that were not fully registered were expected to be blocked.
Proofread by Edwina N.K Quarcoo, a copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
New feature: Сheck out news that is picked for YOU ➡️ click on “Recommended for you” and enjoy!
Source: YEN.com.gh
