The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has commended President John Dramani Mahama for his decisive intervention to prevent the closure of 64 radio stations nationwide, a move that was set in motion by the National Communications Authority (NCA) over various regulatory infractions.
The affected stations were cited for offences ranging from failure to renew their frequency authorisations, operating without valid documentation, exceeding approved transmission limits, to non-payment of authorisation fees.
However, President Mahama ordered the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to work with the NCA to suspend the shutdown, a directive the GJA believes averted a major crisis in Ghana’s media landscape.
In a statement issued on Friday, the GJA said the closure of so many radio stations, regardless of the regulatory breaches, would have had severe socio-economic consequences, including mass job losses and the disruption of essential public services delivered by these media outlets.
“We agree with the President that shutting down the radio stations may seriously undermine media freedom and freedom of expression,” the Association noted.
The GJA praised President Mahama for what it described as a balance between regulatory enforcement and clemency, saying his action reflects a government that is responsive to concerns about media freedom and committed to fostering media pluralism and diversity.
While urging the affected stations to take advantage of the reprieve to rectify their regulatory lapses, the GJA also reaffirmed its stance against illegality, stressing the need for compliance within a framework that supports journalistic freedom.
The Association further called for greater dialogue between the NCA and media stakeholders to ensure that regulatory enforcement does not unduly stifle the flow of information. It also urged the NCA to ensure fairness and transparency in its compliance processes.
To enhance public accountability, the GJA has asked the NCA to publish the compliance status of all radio and TV stations, including details about ownership and licensing timelines.
The Association’s statement, signed by General Secretary Kofi Yeboah, also called for a more balanced regulatory environment that safeguards both operational fidelity and the fundamental principles of press freedom.
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