The majority in Parliament has rejected calls to call Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, in response to the shutdown of seven radio stations.
According to a Communications Ministry media alert, the impacted stations were shut down for violating Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) for operating without legal frequency authorizations.
The stations consist of:
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)
Furthermore, in response to “urgent national security concerns” brought up by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the government has mandated the immediate closure of Gumah FM in Bawku.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga addressed the matter in Parliament and justified the minister’s actions, saying that he was only carrying out his legal duties.
“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 authorization.”
“How is that a matter for the minister to be summoned to answer? Are you trying to prevent ministers from doing their jobs?” he asked.
Ayariga also emphasized the need for all stations to adhere to licensing requirements and issued a warning that unlicensed stations will still be shut down.
“The minister will shut the radio stations down today, and tomorrow they should go for authorization. If the stations had frequency authorization, 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 added.
Source: newsthemegh.com