Minority demands Minister’s appearance in Parliament over radio station shutdowns

The Minority in Parliament is demanding that Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George appear before the House to justify the shutdown of seven radio stations.

The stations were taken off air on February 18, 2025, following the Minister’s directive to the National Communications Authority (NCA), citing violations of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

According to the ministry, the affected stations failed to renew their frequency authorizations or meet statutory payment requirements, rendering their operations illegal.

However, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin has questioned the legality of the move, arguing that the National Media Commission, not the minister, has the mandate to regulate media operations.

“I find it very strange that the minister issued such a directive. The Leader of Government Business must invite him to brief Parliament on the justification for his actions,” Afenyo-Markin stated.

The demand sets the stage for a possible parliamentary probe into the matter, as concerns grow over due process and media freedom.