The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called for major reforms in Ghana’s broadcasting industry, criticising what he considers an excessive number of radio and television stations in the country.
The minister said he would shut down all politically and religiously affiliated media houses if he had the authority to do so, arguing that the growing number of such broadcasters was creating problems for the country’s media landscape.
Speaking at a public forum in Accra, Sam George questioned why a country with an estimated population of 35 million people should have nearly 700 radio stations and 120 television stations.
“Explain to me why a country like Ghana, with 35 million people, has almost 700 radio stations and 120 TV stations. It’s pure madness,” he said.
He argued that the proliferation of broadcasters linked to political and religious organisations had moved beyond the exercise of media freedom, describing the situation as “media tyranny”.
The minister also raised concerns about religious organisations allegedly acquiring broadcasting licences through proxy companies, despite legal restrictions on religious bodies owning broadcast stations.
“We have a law that says that religious bodies should not own broadcast houses. But we all know that they own it because they use pseudo-entities to apply to the National Communications Authority,” he stated.
His comments have renewed attention on the regulation and ownership of broadcasting outlets in Ghana, particularly the involvement of political and religious interests in the media industry.
Ghana’s broadcasting landscape comprises public, private and commercial radio and television stations, with the National Communications Authority responsible for regulating the sector.
Sam George’s remarks point to his concerns about the scale of the industry, the ownership structures behind some broadcasters and the need to review how the sector operates.
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