Mahama grants clemency, orders reopening of 64 radio stations

President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to work with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately restore the broadcast of sixty-four radio stations that were recently shut down due to regulatory issues.

The directive comes amid concerns that restricting radio operations while awaiting the regularisation of their authorisation could hinder media freedom.

The NCA had ordered the immediate suspension of operations by more than 60 FM broadcasting stations across the country, including prominent outlets such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM, over multiple regulatory breaches.

But President Mahama in a statement on Thursday June 12 emphasised the importance of balancing compliance with the protection of free speech, urging regulators to consider a more accommodating approach.

“The President believes regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom,” stated Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.

To ensure a smooth transition, President Mahama instructed the Minister to collaborate with the NCA in determining a reasonable timeframe for the affected stations to complete the necessary regularisation processes.