The Majority Leader in Parliament, Mahama Ayariga, has defended the Minister for Communications, Sam George, over a directive to shut down radio stations operating without proper frequency authorization.
Addressing Parliament on Tuesday, February 25, Mr. Ayariga emphasized that the minister acted within his legal mandate.
He dismissed any suggestions that his directive was politically motivated.
According to him, the enforcement of regulations governing the airwaves should not be seen as an attack but rather as a necessary step to ensuring compliance with the law.
“Some radio stations have been operating without frequency authorization, and the minister, upon discovering this, took steps to enforce the law.
It is surprising that some people are questioning his actions as though he has done something wrong,” Mr. Ayariga stated.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam George, on Tuesday, February 18 directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to shut down six radio stations operating without valid frequency authorizations.
The affected stations, include Fire Group of Companies in Sunyani (90.1MHz), I-Zar Consult Limited in Tamale (89.7MHz), Abochannel Media Group in Adidome (105.7MHz), Okyeame Radio Limited in Bibiani (99.7MHz), Mumen Bono Foundation in Techiman (99.7MHz), and Osikani Community FM in Nkrankwanta (99.7MHz).
He argued that the minister should be commended for his prompt action, highlighting that the government remains committed to ensuring that all radio stations meet the necessary legal requirements before operating.
“The minister will shut down the stations today, tomorrow he will shut them down, tomorrow next he will shut them down, if they want they should go for authorization,” he
Mr. Ayariga refuted claims that the directive was meant to suppress free speech, stating that only stations violating the law were affected.
He questioned why other stations that had valid authorization continued to operate without issues, urging critics to focus on ensuring compliance rather than attacking the minister.
His comments come after concerns were raised by the Minority over the closure of certain radio stations, with some stakeholders questioning the government’s motive behind the action.
However, the Majority Leader maintained that the decision was purely regulatory and not politically influenced.
