President John Dramani Mahama has stepped in to ease tensions surrounding the recent shutdown of over 60 radio stations by the National Communications Authority (NCA). On June 12, 2025, the President instructed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to coordinate with the NCA to restore operations for the affected broadcasters.
The intervention follows a sweeping enforcement action by the NCA targeting regulatory breaches under the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). According to the NCA, infractions included expired licenses, non-payment of fees, and failure to meet operational conditions despite being authorised years prior.
However, Mahama emphasized the need to uphold media freedom even while enforcing laws. “Media operations should not be unduly restricted, especially when awaiting license regularisation,” he stated.
The President has directed the Ministry to agree on a reasonable grace period for the affected stations to regularise their broadcasting licenses without losing their platforms. This move is being hailed as a balanced approach to maintaining regulatory standards while preserving the vital role of the media in Ghana’s democratic space.