By Godwin Owusu Frimpong
MP criticises minister’s radio station directive.
A Member of Parliament is challenging the authority of the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, over the closure of seven radio stations. Davis Ansah Opoku, MP for Mpraeso, has accused the minister of overstepping his legal boundaries by directing the National Communications Authority (NCA) to take this action.
Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Mr. Opoku described the directive as an “unacceptable overreach of executive authority”, arguing that it undermines both the rule of law and the independence of the NCA. He contends that the minister’s order, targeting stations allegedly operating without valid licenses, contravenes the legal framework governing the NCA’s operations.
“The Minister does not possess the legal authority to direct the NCA’s regulatory or enforcement actions,” Mr. Opoku stated, citing the National Communications Authority Act, 2008. He further pointed to the Electronic Communications Act, 2008, which grants the NCA exclusive control over radio frequency licensing and regulation.
The MP warned that allowing the directive to stand could create “a dangerous precedent for political interference in independent institutions,” potentially threatening the integrity of bodies such as the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary. He emphasized that the minister’s role is limited to policy direction, not operational enforcement.
Mr. Opoku also accused the minister of circumventing due process, claiming that the affected stations were not formally notified or given an opportunity to rectify any licensing issues, as required by law.
Beyond the legal arguments, the MP framed the directive as an attack on press freedom, citing the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression. He cautioned that government-directed shutdowns without due process could send a chilling message to journalists and media organizations, making their operations subject to political approval.
Mr. Opoku has called for parliamentary action, submitting a motion urging the Speaker to summon the minister to explain the directive. He also urged Parliament to suspend any NCA enforcement actions until due process is verified. Furthermore, he proposed an investigation by the Committees on Communications and Constitutional and Legal Affairs to determine whether the minister acted unilaterally or under political pressure.
Godwin Owusu Frimpong
