President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to work with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately restore the operations of 64 radio stations recently shut down over regulatory infractions.

The directive, issued on Thursday, June 12, comes amid growing concerns that the continued suspension of these stations could undermine media freedom while they await the regularisation of their authorisation.

The NCA had earlier ordered the immediate suspension of operations of more than 60 FM broadcasting stations across the country — including high-profile outlets such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM  citing multiple breaches of regulatory requirements.

In a statement released by Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, President Mahama underscored the need to strike a balance between regulatory enforcement and the protection of press freedom.

“The President believes regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom,” the statement noted.

To facilitate a fair and orderly process, President Mahama further instructed the Communications Minister to collaborate with the NCA in establishing a reasonable timeline for the affected stations to regularise their status.