Minister threatens closure of political and religious media outlets

The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has threatened to shut down media houses affiliated with political and religious groups as part of calls to address what he describes as an excessive number of broadcast stations in Ghana.

He questioned why a country with a population of about 35 million people should have nearly 700 radio stations and 120 television stations, describing the situation as a concern for the media industry.

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Speaking during his keynote address at AVAS 2026 on Monday, November 2, 2026, the minister argued that the large number of broadcast outlets could create challenges for effective media regulation.

“If you leave me, I will shut down every political and religiously affiliated media house so that we have a clean slate in this country,” he said.

George rejected the argument that the situation was simply an expression of media freedom, warning that it could instead lead to what he described as “media tyranny”.

“Explain to me why a country like Ghana, with 35 million people, should have almost 700 radio stations and 120 TV stations. It is pure madness,” he said.

The minister also raised concerns about religious organisations owning broadcast stations, arguing that existing regulations prohibit such ownership but that some groups allegedly use other entities to obtain licences.

“We have a law that says religious bodies should not own broadcast houses, but we all know that they own them because they use pseudo-entities to apply to the National Communications Authority,” he said.

"If You Leave Me, I Will Shut Down Every Political and Religious Media House" — Sam George https://t.co/cyjQE2Evzu

— Ms.Anita (@Msaniluv) November 2, 2026