The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has called on the 62 radio stations recently suspended by the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take full advantage of the 30-day grace period granted by the government to regularise their operations.
The call follows the NCA’s announcement on June 12, 2025, that it had suspended the operations of the affected stations across the country due to regulatory compliance failures.
The move sparked concern among media stakeholders, civil society groups, and press freedom advocates, who warned that the action could have far-reaching implications for freedom of expression and citizens’ access to information.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 2, the MFWA encouraged the suspended broadcasters to act swiftly. “We urge all affected radio stations to take full advantage of this window to bring their operations into compliance,” the organisation said, stressing that stations must prioritise the regularisation of licences, payment of outstanding fees, completion of registration processes, and acquisition of Certificates of Compliance where necessary.
The MFWA also expressed appreciation for the government’s intervention. President John Mahama had earlier directed the Minister for Communications, Digitalisation and Innovation to consider a more conciliatory approach following the backlash from media rights groups. In response, the Minister, Hon. Sam Nartey George, announced a 30-day grace period within which affected stations could rectify their regulatory status.
While acknowledging the importance of enforcing media regulations, the MFWA urged the NCA and the Ministry to embrace a more cooperative posture moving forward.
“We urge the regulator, National Communications Authority (NCA), and the Ministry of Communications, Digitalisation and Innovation to adopt a more collaborative, transparent approach to enforcement—one which prioritises engagement over punishment,” the statement read.
The Foundation underscored the need for enforcement to be fair, transparent, and aimed at building compliance rather than shrinking the democratic space.
“While media organisations are required to operate within the licensing framework set out by the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), and the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), enforcement must be carried out fairly and transparently,” it noted.
The MFWA further emphasised that regulators should provide adequate support to facilitate compliance and avoid abrupt punitive measures that could weaken media pluralism in Ghana.
