Closure of 64 FM Stations - Mahama Swiftly Intervenes
The President wades in and orders for the reopening of the affected radio stations for redress
President John Dramani Mahama has informed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to work with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately restore the broadcast of sixty-four radio stations that were recently shut down due to regulatory issues.
This development comes amid concerns that restricting radio operations while awaiting the regularisation of their authorisation could hinder media freedom.
The NCA had ordered the immediate shutdown of operations by more than 60 FM broadcasting stations across the country, including notable platforms such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM, over multiple regulatory breaches
But President Mahama, in an official communique on Thursday, June 12, highlighted the essence of balancing compliance with the protection of free speech, telling regulators to consider a more accommodating approach.
“The President believes regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom,” stated Felix Kwakye Ofosu, spokesperson to the president and minister for government communications.
To ensure transition-free hitches, President Mahama directed the Minister to partner with the NCA in determining a reasonable timeframe for the affected stations to complete the necessary regularisation processes.
