In a recent interview, Sam Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, expressed concern over the overwhelming number of radio stations in Ghana, which has exceeded 600. He described the current allocation of radio frequencies by the National Communications Authority (NCA) as “reckless” and believed it poses significant challenges to the industry’s growth.
George emphasised that a country like Ghana should not have such a high number of frequency authorisations, stating, “We’ve abused the assignment of frequency authorisation. It’s detrimental to the growth of the business.” He suggested that if given the opportunity, he would work to reduce the number of radio stations to fewer than 100. However, he acknowledged that such measures could be interpreted politically, saying, “If you leave me, I will rationalise this, and you will hear that Sam George is shutting down radio stations.”
The minister criticised many current radio frequency holders, arguing that they often do not operate as genuine broadcasting outlets. He noted that many stations primarily serve as venues for political talk shows, featuring repetitive news content rather than original programming. “We need to set Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for what constitutes a radio station,” he asserted. “Too many frequencies are held by those who do not engage in actual production. They syndicate political content and news.”
To address these issues, George proposed implementing stringent KPIs to assess radio stations, insisting that frequency allocations should be reserved for broadcasters that meet clear operational standards. “We must establish a certain KPI benchmark. Spectrum cannot just be handed out without accountability,” he stressed.
His comments indicate a potential overhaul of Ghana’s broadcasting regulatory framework as the Ministry aims for a more effective, performance-oriented management of the nation’s limited radio spectrum. Additionally, George revealed that 57 radio stations are currently facing suspension due to violations of broadcasting regulations.
