By: Deborah Amewoyi
Minister for Communication Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George has issued a directive to the National Communications Authority to revoke licenses of some seven radio stations in the country.
A media advisory released yesterday, Feburary 18 revealed that the six media firms involved have been operating without valid frequency authorisations violating section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
The firms whose licenses have been revoked include ;
- Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani
- I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale
- Abochannel Media Group, Adidome
- Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani
- Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman
- Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta
These media houses according to the directive either failed to submit required documents needed for operating or did not make statutory payments obligations.
The government have declared their operations illegal thereby calling for the shut down of these broadcasting firms.
Again, the minister has ordered that the NCA shuts down operation of Gumah FM Station- Bawku in the Upper – East Region due to National Security Concerns.
The release further indicated that the move is in accordance to with the Electronic Communications Act which mandates the NCA to either revoke or suspend authorization of media firms if it counters on national security and Public interest.
Due to the ongoing conflict tensions in Bawku, Mr. Nartey’s directive will serve as a step in the right direction to prevent propagation
of violence that would
further destabilize the region by the use of the media as seen in the case of Rwanda resulting into a massive genocide.
