Mahama Pardons 64 Closed Radio Stations, Orders Sam George And NCA To Allow Time For Compliance

President John Dramani Mahama has issued an urgent directive for the immediate reinstatement of broadcasting services to 64 radio stations that were shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) over regulatory breaches.

In a decisive move aimed at promoting media freedom and ensuring fair regulatory enforcement, Mahama instructed the NCA and the Minister for Communications, Sam George, to grant the affected stations adequate time to rectify their infractions rather than facing outright closure.

The President emphasized that while regulations must be respected, enforcement should be tempered with fairness and support to enable non-compliant stations to meet their obligations without silencing their platforms.

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a decisive directive for the immediate reinstatement of broadcasting services to 64 radio stations that were recently shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) over regulatory breaches.

The President has instructed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam George, to collaborate closely with the NCA to ensure that all affected broadcasting facilities resume operations without further delay.

This directive was formally communicated through an official statement issued by the President’s Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu. The announcement came shortly after the NCA began enforcing shutdowns on non-compliant stations.

According to the statement, President Mahama emphasized the importance of striking a careful balance between regulatory enforcement and the preservation of media freedom. He cautioned that shutting down media outlets during the process of regularising their authorisations could undermine the fundamental right to free expression.

The administration underscored the essential role media organisations play in democratic governance and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting their operations. “Ordering radio stations to cease operations during the regularisation of their authorisation might restrict the ability to exercise such freedoms,” the statement noted.

Additionally, President Mahama has directed the Ministry of Communications to work with the NCA to establish a reasonable timeframe within which affected stations can rectify their regulatory status.

Among the impacted outlets are several prominent Accra-based stations, including Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM.

President Mahama has directed the Ministry and the NCA to grant all affected radio stations additional time to address their regulatory breaches. In line with this directive, a 30-day grace period has been granted to all defaulting entities.

– Samuel Nartey George, Minister for… pic.twitter.com/3T8myAxuv3

— ChannelOne TV (@Channel1TVGHA) June 12, 2025

Source: Nkonkonsa.com