Communications Minister Sam Nartey George has dismissed allegations that the recent suspension of some radio stations was driven by political bias. Speaking on Joy News’ PM Express on April 15, the Ningo Prampram MP emphasized that the National Communications Authority (NCA) acted strictly within the boundaries of the law, without consideration for who owned the affected stations or their political ties.
He pointed out that half of the six suspended stations were owned by individuals linked to the NDC, highlighting that this alone disproves claims of political targeting. “If this was about party politics, why would stations owned by NDC-affiliated people be affected?†he asked. “I was simply enforcing the law.â€
The Minister explained that ownership was not a factor in the decision-making process, as he had only requested the names of companies with unresolved regulatory issues, not their ownership details.
He also noted that after the suspensions were announced, a familiar pattern emerged — influential figures began reaching out to plead for leniency. “As people started approaching me to lobby for exceptions, I realized how deep the connections ran,†he said. “But regardless of their status, the law remains the same.â€
Sam George made it clear that neither status nor influence would change his position. “I may be young, but the law doesn’t bend for anyone, no matter how powerful they are,†he added.
He also addressed concerns raised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). After meeting with the foundation’s Executive Director, Sulemana Braimah, and presenting the facts on both the six suspended stations and 53 others with unresolved compliance issues, he said the MFWA understood the government’s stance, which is why they have remained silent on the matter since.
The Minister further revealed plans to present his findings to Parliament, assuring that he would provide evidence to prove the suspensions were strictly lawful and not politically influenced. “When I brief Parliament, the facts will show this isn’t about politics.â€
He stressed that consistent enforcement of the rules was necessary for fairness. “One station shouldn’t comply fully while another violates the rules and still operates just because of who owns it.â€
Sam George concluded by reaffirming that media freedom remains intact. “This is not about muzzling the media or silencing critics — it’s about ensuring accountability and equal application of the law,†he stated.
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