Member of Parliament for Abirem, Charles Asuako Wiredu, has strongly criticised the National Communications Authority (NCA) over its decision to shut down more than 60 radio stations across the country, describing the move as "politically motivated" and "arbitrary." The lawmaker made his remarks during a parliamentary session on Thursday, June 13, shortly after Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, Sam George, delivered an official statement justifying the mass license withdrawals. "Mr Speaker, these are settings.
We think that the decision is arbitrary.
There was no need for the initial statement to ban these radio stations," Wiredu argued. "You could as well have spoken to these radio stations, issued a statement, giving them this clemency and some time to fulfil all the payments they are supposed to make." He further questioned the neutrality of the decision, suggesting that it disproportionately targeted stations affiliated with political opponents."From outside, we think that this decision was not taken with the right mind.
We think that it was targeted at some political party - political party people who own radio stations." Earlier in the day, the NCA directed more than 60 FM radio stations to immediately cease operations for breaching broadcasting regulations.The shutdown order followed a nationwide compliance audit which revealed various violations - ranging from expired licenses and unpaid regulatory fees to failure to meet operational requirements. "The rules apply to everyone-no exceptions," the Authority warned, emphasizing that compliance is mandatory and non-negotiable.
