Sam George Uncovers Widespread Abuse in Broadcast License Renewals
By Abubakar Ibrahim | 16 April 2025, 11:02 PM
Minister of Communications, Sam Nartey George, has raised serious concerns about widespread irregularities in the renewal of broadcast frequency licenses, describing the situation as a blatant abuse of public office. The revelations come as part of the governmentโs ongoing โOperation Recover All Lootโ (ORAL), aimed at restoring accountability in public resource management.
Speaking on Joy Newsโ PM Express, the Ningo Prampram MP disclosed that his ministry has begun a comprehensive audit of broadcast frequency authorisations. According to the Minister, over 50 licenses were unlawfully renewed despite being expiredโsome as recently as January 3, 2025.
โThis isnโt just political rhetoric,โ Sam George stated. โWhat weโre discovering is outright fraud. Spectrum is a limited national asset. Once a frequency license expires, the law mandates that a fresh application must be submittedโit cannot simply be renewed.โ He referenced the Justice Doste ruling in the Radio Gold vs. NCA case, which confirmed that expired licenses must undergo an entirely new application process.
He criticized individuals who, after the 2020 elections, hastily submitted renewal forms instead of applying afresh. โThey didnโt even bother with the right process. And worse, the NCA board arrogantly treated these renewals as new licenses. Thatโs unlawful,โ he stressed.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has already identified 12 clear violations among the over 50 cases under review. Sam George noted that while the law supports revocation, President Mahama has opted for a more measured approach, calling for dialogue rather than outright license cancellations. โWeโll suspend the licenses and invite the affected parties to regularize their documentation,โ he said.
Despite this leniency, the Minister maintained that the governmentโs position is firm. โThe legal opinion is clearโthose renewals are null and void. However, we are offering a path for correction because weโre a compassionate government.โ
So far, six radio stations have had their licenses suspended for failing to comply with administrative procedures, while GUMAH FMโs license has been permanently revoked on national security grounds linked to the Bawku conflict.
Responding to potential concerns about censorship, Sam George clarified that the move is about fairness, not silencing the press. โWhy should compliant media houses be treated the same as those who avoid taxes or ignore regulations? We are engaging stakeholders like the Media Foundation for West Africa and GIBA. This is about restoring order.โ
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