Member of Parliament for Mpraeso Constituency, Davis Ansah Opoku (OPK), has voiced serious concerns regarding the Minister for Communications, Samuel Nartey George, potentially compromising the autonomy of the National Communications Authority (NCA) with a selective audit of frequency allocations.
Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Thursday, February 14, 2025, Opoku Ansah highlighted that the NCA, established under Section 9 of the Electronic Communications Act 2008 (Act 775), is an independent entity meant to function without external control or influence.
The Act specifies, “Except as otherwise provided in this Act, the Authority shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or authority in performing its functions,” he quoted the Constitution.
OPK stressed that the Communications Minister does not possess the legal authority to dictate the NCA’s actions on frequency audits or revocations.
He argued that any such review should be conducted by the NCA on its own accord, following proper protocol, not under the sway of ministerial directives.
Moreover, Opoku questioned the logic behind limiting the audit to frequency authorizations issued within the last 60 days, suggesting that a genuine push for transparency and regulatory adherence would require a broader evaluation of all frequency allocations, not just a select period that might have political undertones.
“Radio is the heartbeat of our democracy. It serves as a valve for people to air their views on issues that bother them—a practice that has sustained our democracy,” OPK noted.
He cautioned that such selective practices could be perceived as attempts to stifle press freedom and manipulate media narratives.
He called on the Minister to respect the NCA’s independence, allowing it to carry out its responsibilities without political interference.
Reiterating the significance of radio in Ghana’s democratic framework, Opoku emphasized the paramount importance of protecting media freedom.
He urged Parliament to ensure regulatory bodies like the NCA operate with transparency and fairness, securing the public’s right to a diverse and independent media landscape.
The statement by the Mpraeso MP was on the back of a directive by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation writing to the NCA demanding a report on an audit of frequency authorizations issued or renewed by the Authority in the last 60 days.
GA/MA
