The Majority in Parliament has rejected demands to summon the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, over the recent closure of seven radio stations.

The affected stations were taken off air for operating without valid frequency authorizations, in line with Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). A statement from the Communications Ministry listed the affected stations as:

• Fire Group of Companies (Sunyani – 90.1 MHz)
• I-Zar Consult Limited (Tamale – 89.7 MHz)
• Abochannel Media Group (Adidome – 105.7 MHz)
• Okyeame Radio Limited (Bibiani – 99.7 MHz)
• Mumen Bono Foundation (Techiman – 99.7 MHz)
• Osikani Community FM (Nkrankwanta – 99.7 MHz)

Additionally, Gumah FM in Bawku was shut down due to national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga defended the Minister, stating that he was simply enforcing regulatory provisions. He dismissed accusations of political bias or incompetence as baseless.

“I am surprised that you will make the minister the subject of castigation and unnecessary attacks, trying to question his competence when all he is saying in this communication is that the NCA Director General is enforcing the law because these stations are operating without authorisation,” Ayariga stated.

He emphasized that compliance with licensing regulations was mandatory for all media houses.

“The minister will shut the radio stations down today, and tomorrow they should go for authorisation. If the stations had frequency authorisation, he wouldn’t have shut them down. Why didn’t he shut down Joy FM, Citi FM, and all other stations that are operating legally?” he questioned.

The Majority maintains that the Minister acted within his legal mandate and sees no justification for summoning him before Parliament. It insists that all media houses must comply with regulatory standards to ensure a fair and lawful broadcasting environment.