President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate reinstatement of over 60 radio stations, including major broadcasters Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM, following a nationwide suspension imposed by Ghana’s communications regulator over alleged licensing violations.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) had halted operations of the stations citing multiple regulatory breaches. However, Mahama’s directive, issued Thursday, calls for the Communications Ministry and the NCA to work jointly on a plan to reinstate the affected broadcasters while allowing time for them to resolve compliance issues.

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

The move underscores the administration’s intent to recalibrate the balance between regulation and constitutional protections for free expression. Critics had warned that the mass shutdown posed risks to media plurality and democratic accountability.

President Mahama’s order includes a directive to the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to determine a structured timeline within which affected broadcasters can complete the regularization of their licenses.

The development follows growing public and political pressure over what many described as a disproportionate regulatory crackdown.

Source:TheDotNews