Mpraeso MP questions communications minister’s authority over shutdown of seven radio stations

MP for Mpraeso Constituency, Davis Opoku Ansah

Member of Parliament for Mpraeso, Davis Ansah Opoku, has strongly criticized the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, accusing him of exceeding his legal authority by directing the National Communications Authority (NCA) to shutdown seven broadcasting stations.

In a statement made in Parliament on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, Opoku described the minister’s actions as “an unacceptable overreach of executive authority” that undermines the rule of law and the autonomy of the NCA.

He argued that the directive, which targets stations allegedly operating without valid frequency authorizations, violates 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,” Opoku asserted, citing Section 3(1) of the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769).

He further referenced provisions in the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which grant the NCA exclusive control over the licensing and regulation of the radio frequency spectrum.

Opoku warned that allowing the minister’s directive to stand could set “a dangerous precedent for political interference in independent institutions,” potentially threatening the integrity of bodies such as the Electoral Commission and the Judiciary.

“The Minister’s role is confined to policy direction, not enforcement,” he added, pointing to Section 97(1) of Act 775, which limits the minister to making regulations “on the advice of the Authority” rather than issuing operational directives.

The Mpraeso MP also accused the minister of bypassing due process, asserting that the affected stations were not given formal notification or an opportunity to rectify any licensing issues, as required under Section 9 of Act 775.

“There is no evidence that these legal procedures were observed before the Minister’s directive,” he stated.

“If enforcement actions proceed without adherence to due process, this directive will constitute an abuse of executive power,” he added.

Beyond legality, Opoku framed the directive as a direct attack on press freedom, invoking Article 21(1)(a) of the 1992 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

“Government-directed shutdowns without due process send a chilling message to journalists and media organizations that their operations are subject to political approval,” he cautioned.

“A free press is vital for democratic accountability, and this unconstitutional interference must not be tolerated,” the MP emphasized.

He called for decisive parliamentary action by submitting a motion urging the Speaker to summon the minister to explain the directive. Additionally, he urged Parliament to suspend any NCA enforcement actions until due process is verified.

Furthermore, he proposed that the Committees on Communications and Constitutional and Legal Affairs investigate whether the minister acted unilaterally or under political pressure.