Sanctions against radio stations not politically motivated – Ursula

Communications Minister, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has downplayed suggestions that the sanctioning of some radio stations by the National Communications Authority (NCA) is politically motivated.

The NCA last week sanctioned 131 stations found to have committed various infractions pertaining to their authorisations to operate as contained in Section 13 of the Electronics Communications Act (2009), Act 775.

The minority in parliament subsequently expressed its displeasure with the recent actions of the NCA.

In their estimation, the NCA appears to be monetizing the right to free expression and could be construed as an effort to exact revenge particularly against stations that had traditionally been opposed to the current government.

But speaking to journalists on Tuesday, Communications Minister, Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful said the NCA was only carrying out its mandate and denied any political interference with this action.

“The action by the NCA to enforce the Electronic Communications Act passed in 2008 by parliament is a step in the right direction and must be commended by all right-thinking members of society”.

The minister said no media house is above the laws of the country, hence the decision by the NCA to sanction defaulting stations. She insisted the fines slapped on the affected stations, is only in proportion to the offence committed.

She has consequently asked the Ranking Member of the Communications Committee of Parliament, A.B.A Fuseini, to apologize and withdraw the comments in the statement he issued on the matter on behalf of the minority.

“I think that the statement they made was most unfortunate and ought to be withdrawn. I have already spoken to him and urged him to do that,” Mrs Owusu-Ekuful said.