Minister for Communications, Sam George, has disclosed that 58 out of the 64 radio stations previously shut down for violating broadcasting regulations have contacted the National Communications Authority (NCA) to initiate the process of reinstating their operations.
The minister clarified that although a total of 210 stations were identified as being non-compliant with NCA guidelines, only 64 were initially taken off air. Of those, six have yet to engage the Authority to resolve their infractions.
“Let me say that, of the 64 radio stations, 58 of them have written to the NCA and started the process of regularising their paperwork,” he stated during the government’s Accountability Series held on Friday, August 1.
In response to the closures, President John Mahama stepped in, requesting that an amnesty be granted to give the affected stations a chance to correct their regulatory status.
Following the president’s appeal, the Ministry approved a three-month grace period.
However, the minister issued a firm caution to the remaining stations that have not taken any action, warning that future violations will be met with strict penalties, without prior warning or leniency.
“We expect that the public sensitisation with the first batch of the 68 would have compelled others to take steps to rectify their anomaly.”
“For all those who have failed to take any step, there will be no public announcement on it; simply, there will be an enforcement in order to protect the public resource.”
Leave a Reply