President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to collaborate with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately reinstate 64 radio stations affected by the regulator’s recent shutdown order.
The President emphasized the importance of balancing regulatory compliance with media freedom, arguing that forcing stations off-air while they regularize their authorizations could stifle democratic expression. The move comes just hours after the NCA suspended the stations for failing to meet licensing requirements, sparking widespread criticism from media advocates.
In a statement issued on June 12, 2025, Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu confirmed that the Minister has been tasked with working alongside the NCA to establish a reasonable timeline for the affected stations to resolve their authorization issues. President Mahama’s intervention underscores his administration’s commitment to press freedom while acknowledging the need for broadcasters to adhere to regulatory standards. The decision aims to prevent undue disruption to public access to information and diverse viewpoints.
Media groups and civil society organizations have welcomed the President’s directive, calling it a timely step to safeguard Ghana’s vibrant media landscape. However, the NCA has yet to issue an official response on how it will implement the presidential order. The development highlights the ongoing tension between regulatory enforcement and media rights, with stakeholders urging a collaborative approach to ensure compliance without compromising freedom of expression.
