GJA Lauds President Mahama For Rescinding Shutdown Of 64 FM Stations
A formal statement issued by the general secretary of the umbrella body stated, "We agree with the President that shutting down the radio stations may seriously undermine media freedom and freedom of expression"
Edem Latsu Nukafu eljourno 
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has hailed President John Dramani Mahama for his swift intervention to avert the shutdown of 64 radio stations nationwide, a directive that was engineered by the National Communications Authority (NCA) over various regulatory violations.
The affected stations were cited for offences ranging from refusal to renew their frequency authorisations, operating without valid documentation, exceeding approved transmission limits, and non-payment of authorisation fees.
However, President Mahama directed the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to work with the NCA to stop the shutdown, a move the GJA believes prevented a major crisis in Ghana’s media spheres.
In an official communique issued on Friday, the GJA mentioned that the shutdown of so many radio stations, regardless of the regulatory breaches, would have had dire socio-economic repercussions, including mass employment losses and the disruption of significant public services delivered by these media houses.
"We agree with the President that shutting down the radio stations may seriously undermine media freedom and freedom of expression," the Association stated.
The GJA commended President Mahama for what it called as a balance between regulatory enforcement and clemency, uttering his action reflects a government that is responsive to concerns about media freedom and committed to fostering media pluralism and diversity.
While urging the affected stations to take advantage of the reprieve to rectify their regulatory lapses, the GJA also reaffirmed its stance against illegality, stressing the need for compliance within a framework that supports journalistic freedom.
The Association proceeded and called for utmost deliberations between the NCA and media stakeholders to ensure that regulatory enforcement does not unduly hinder the flow of information. It also appealed to the NCA to ensure fairness and transparency in its compliance processes.
To improve public accountability, the GJA has asked the NCA to publish the compliance status of all radio and TV stations, including details about ownership and licensing timelines.
The Association’s communique, signed by General Secretary Kofi Yeboah, also called for a more balanced regulatory space that protects both operational fidelity and basic principles of press freedom.
