No more warnings: Minister signals crackdown on rogue radio stations
No more warnings. That was the decisive message from Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George during a government briefing on August 1, 2025. He revealed 58 out of 64 radio stations, once slated for closure, have taken steps to comply after a 30-day amnesty.
This amnesty came at the direct instruction of President John Dramani Mahama. It gave non-compliant stations a final chance to fix their regulatory lapses with the National Communications Authority (NCA). Since then, these stations have formally notified the NCA and started updating their licenses and records.
“We expect that the public education involving the first batch of 64 would have pushed others to do the right thing,” Mr. George stated clearly.
Yet, a larger challenge remains. Over 210 stations still ignore the rules and face imminent sanctions.
“For those who have still not taken any steps, there will be no further announcements. There will simply be enforcement,” the minister warned.
This crackdown stems from a comprehensive frequency audit led by the Ministry and enforced by the NCA. Its goal is to reclaim public assets and ensure Ghana’s broadcast spectrum operates lawfully.
Initial findings revealed widespread breaches and tax penalties totaling around GH¢9.5 million. Some rogue stations already lost their licenses and went off air.
Minister George emphasized the effort is strictly regulatory, not political. He reminded all broadcasters: “Frequencies are public property. Those who use them must operate within the law.”
The government maintains that enforcing these rules is vital to protecting Ghana’s communications sector integrity and safeguarding public interest.
With these firm words, the era of leniency fades. The time for accountability in Ghana’s airwaves has arrived.
