Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Mr. Samuel Nartey George has given 62 radio stations affected by the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) recent shutdown order a nine-day deadline to regularise their operations or have their licences revoked.
Speaking at his second quarter update in Accra on Thursday, the Minister warned that failure to comply with the directive within the stipulated time would lead to the revocation of their operating licenses.
The NCA had ordered the closure of the stations on June 12 for regulatory violations, later granting them a 30-day moratorium following intervention by President John Dramani Mahama.
With just days left, only 18 out of the 62 stations have attempted to resolve their issues, while 44 have made no contact, Mr. George said.
“We have nine days left of the 30-day grace period. Of the 62 stations, only 18 have made an effort to reach out to the NCA to try and remedy their challenge,” he stressed.
The Minister acknowledged that the 18 stations were unlikely to complete the process within the remaining time and had directed the NCA to grant them an additional 30 days.
“So that it does not appear as though this is a deliberate witch hunt, we have directed the NCA that for all the 18 who have reached out, they should send them notices, giving them a 30-day extension,” he said.
However, he cautioned, “For those who made no effort whatsoever, on the expiration of the nine days, enforcement will be carried out again and this time, I don’t think the president is going to show fair diligence.”
The Minister added that stations awaiting approval may operate on test transmission in the meantime.
