Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has criticised the unrestrained issuance of radio frequency authorisations in Ghana, warning that the oversaturation of the airwaves poses a serious threat to the nation’s media landscape.

Speaking on Channel One TV on Monday, 14th April, the Minister noted that over 600 frequency authorisations have been granted—a figure he described as excessive and counterproductive to the development of the broadcast sector.

According to Mr George, the haphazard manner in which frequencies have been distributed has created a chaotic and ineffective broadcasting environment.

He suggested that Ghana, given its size and market, should ideally operate fewer than 100 active radio stations.

However, he acknowledged that any attempt to rationalise these numbers could be met with political resistance and mischaracterised as an attack on press freedom.

Mr George further argued that many existing radio stations fall short of professional broadcasting standards, with some functioning merely as platforms for repetitive political talk and syndicated news, without contributing any original content.

The Minister advocated for the enforcement of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for broadcasters, insisting that frequency holders must demonstrate a serious commitment to production quality and public service.

To this end, the Minister revealed that 57 radio stations are currently at risk of having their frequencies suspended for violating broadcasting regulations.

He clarified that this decision is not intended to be punitive, but rather an opportunity for defaulting stations to regularise their operations and adhere to the rules governing media practice in Ghana.

Speaking to journalists on 24 March, Mr George indicated that of the six recently suspended stations, three have already fulfilled the necessary conditions for reinstatement.

He maintained that while press freedom is essential, it must coexist with regulatory compliance.

“We cannot have a situation where media houses flout regulations and claim that press freedom exempts them from meeting licensing conditions,” he asserted.