Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation Minister Samuel Nartey George has issued a final nine-day ultimatum to 62 radio stations affected by the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) shutdown order, warning that failure to regularise their operations will result in the revocation of their licences.
At a press briefing in Accra to present his ministry’s second quarter performance update, Mr. George emphasized the seriousness of the regulatory violations that led to the NCA’s order and the urgency for affected stations to act before the grace period ends.
Timeline of events
On June 12, 2025, the NCA ordered the closure of 62 radio stations across the country for what it described as “serious regulatory breaches.”
While the specific infractions were not detailed in the Minister’s latest update, the NCA’s decision was met with public backlash, prompting President John Dramani Mahama to intervene.
The President’s intervention led to the NCA granting the stations a 30-day moratorium to enable them to rectify their infractions and re-engage the regulatory authority for possible regularisation of their broadcasting operations.
With the 30-day window almost shut, Minister George disclosed that only 18 of the 62 stations had made any attempt to reach out to the NCA to resolve their compliance issues. The remaining 44 had not engaged at all.
“We have nine days left of the 30-day grace period. Of the 62 stations, only 18 have made an effort to reach out to the NCA to try and remedy their challenge,” he said.
Extension for compliant stations
In recognition of the efforts made by the 18 stations that reached out, the Minister announced that his office had instructed the NCA to grant them a 30-day extension to complete the regularisation process.
“So that it does not appear as though this is a deliberate witch hunt, we have directed the NCA that for all the 18 who have reached out, they should send them notices, giving them a 30-day extension,” he explained.
Mr. George clarified that the extension would only apply to those stations that had taken the initiative to engage with the regulator, and not those that remained silent.
Enforcement looms for unresponsive operators
For the 44 stations that have not contacted the NCA, the Minister was blunt: failure to act within the remaining nine days will result in swift enforcement.
“For those who made no effort whatsoever, on the expiration of the nine days, enforcement will be carried out again, and this time, I don’t think the president is going to show fair diligence,” he cautioned.
Test transmission allowed for awaiting approvals
In a move to offer some flexibility to stations in limbo, Mr. George stated that those still awaiting formal approval may continue to operate under test transmission arrangements, provided they are actively working with the NCA to resolve their status.
Regulatory push or media crackdown?
The current standoff between the NCA and broadcasters has reignited debate about regulatory overreach versus responsible media practice.
While the government insists the shutdowns are purely based on breaches of broadcasting regulations, some stakeholders view the action as potentially stifling press freedom.
However, Minister George insisted the process was being handled transparently and fairly, and reiterated that any station making a genuine effort to comply would not be unfairly penalised.
As the countdown continues, all eyes are on the 44 stations yet to make contact, with the prospect of permanent closure now just days away.
