By Daniel Bampoe
In a dramatic U-turn that has reignited national debate over regulatory overreach and media freedom, President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate reinstatement of 64 radio stations previously shut down by his own administration for alleged licensing breaches.
The move follows intense public criticism, political pressure, and concerns about the creeping politicization of Ghana’s communications regulatory framework.
A Controversial Shutdown
The controversy began earlier this month when the National Communications Authority (NCA), acting on directives from the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation, ordered the closure of 62 radio stations across the country.
The decision was based on the outcome of a comprehensive frequency audit aimed at ensuring compliance with the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).
The infractions fell into four main categories:
1. Expired Authorisations – 28 stations continued broadcasting despite their licenses lapsing, in violation of Section 2(4) of Act 775.
2. Failure to Operationalise – 14 stations had acquired authorisation but failed to begin broadcasting within two years, contrary to Regulation 54 of L.I. 1991.
3. Unpaid Provisional Fees – 13 stations were operating without settling the full costs of provisional licences.
4. Incomplete Authorisation Process – 7 stations had partially paid for provisional licences but did not complete final approvals.
The shutdowns affected both community and commercial radio operators, but the inclusion of prominent opposition-aligned stations—Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM—quickly shifted the narrative from regulatory enforcement to political censorship.
Political and Public Blowback
The backlash was swift and widespread. Media stakeholders, civil society groups, and opposition politicians criticized the shutdowns as excessive and potentially politically motivated.
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) accused the Mahama administration of selectively targeting stations aligned with the opposition in a bid to control political discourse ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Notably, Asaase Radio, which is associated with leading NPP figure Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, and Wontumi FM, owned by NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, were among the high-profile stations taken off-air.
Gabby Otchere-Darko confirmed that Asaase Radio’s license had expired in October 2024 but was renewed by December—before the station was shut down.
Presidential Reprieve: A Shift in Tone
Faced with mounting criticism and the risk of prolonged political fallout, President Mahama issued a directive on Thursday, June 12, 2025, calling for an immediate review of the closures.
He instructed the Ministry of Communication to collaborate with the NCA and affected stations to facilitate a pathway to compliance that does not compromise Ghana’s democratic values.
In a statement, the Presidency said: “The President believes that regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom, and that requiring radio stations to shut down while awaiting the regularisation of their authorization could limit the space for expressing such freedoms.”
The President has asked the NCA to establish a reasonable and transparent timeframe within which the affected stations can address their regulatory lapses and resume operations.
Previous Incidents Point to Pattern
This is not the first time the NCA under Mahama’s leadership has moved aggressively against broadcasters.
In February 2025, the Ministry shut down seven radio stations, citing similar infractions.
In that case, six were found to be in breach of licensing obligations, while one was closed over national security concerns.
