By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has instructed Communication Minister to work with the country’s National Communications Authority (NCA) to restore the services of some over 60 radio stations shut down over regulatory issues, according to a statement from the presidency Thursday.
The statement signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications observed that the president believes in the importance of balancing compliance with the protection of free speech.
“President John Dramani Mahama has directed 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,” said the statement.
To ensure a smooth transition, President Mahama instructed the Communication Minister to collaborate with the NCA in determining a reasonable timeframe for the affected stations to complete the necessary regularisation processes.
“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.
The NCA had early in the day ordered the immediate suspension of operations by more than 60 FM broadcasting stations across the country including popular media houses such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM, over multiple regulatory breaches.
Meanwhile, Communication Minister Sam Nartey George has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the affected stations to comply with the NCA directive. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the statement issued by the Presidency Communications below:
