Sam George Grants 30-Day Grace Period to Shut Down Radio Stations After Mahama’s Directive

Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced a 30-day grace period for radio stations recently shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA), following a directive from President John Mahama.

Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, Mr. George explained that the decision allows the affected stations time to resolve regulatory violations and resume broadcasting.

“Mr. Speaker, just moments ago, His Excellency John Mahama directed that the Ministry, in collaboration with the NCA, grant all affected stations additional time to rectify the identified breaches within a specific timeframe,” he said.

However, the Minister issued a strong warning that any station failing to comply within the 30-day window risks permanent license revocation under existing regulations.

In a show of what he termed “a more compassionate and democratic approach,” Mr. George added that the government will waive all penalties that would have been levied on the stations.

“This approach contrasts sharply with the previous administration’s arbitrary shutdowns and excessive fines. We are demonstrating that we are a listening and responsive government,” he noted.

The announcement follows the recent closure of 64 radio stations — including Asaase Radio, Happy FM, and Wontumi FM — for breaching sections of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), particularly Regulations 54 and 56.

The government’s decision has been welcomed as a reprieve for affected stations, with the hope that they will comply with the requirements and resume operations without further disruptions.