The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation is set to spearhead sweeping reforms in Ghana’s broadcasting sector as the government moves to enforce compliance, tighten regulation, and reposition the industry for the digital age.
Speaking at a high-level forum on the future of broadcasting in Ghana, Minister Samuel Nartey George emphasized the urgent need for deep policy and structural reforms, warning that without collective action, Ghana’s media ecosystem may struggle to remain competitive in an increasingly digital and fragmented global environment.
“We must agree that for our media landscape to remain profitable and viable, deep reforms and consolidation are necessary,” the Minister said. “These must be embarked on as a collective effort between practitioners and the regulator.”
The forum, organised by the Africa Media Bureau (AMB) and supported by K-NET, WAP, ChannelOne TV, and Citi FM, was themed: “Aligning Policy, Technology, and Global Best Practices for Resilient Media Landscape.”
Mr. George announced that the Ministry would begin a thorough review of Ghana’s Broadcasting Bill, which has long awaited passage in Parliament. The review will seek to make the bill responsive to current challenges facing the sector, especially the disruptive impact of digital media, declining advertising revenues, and the unchecked proliferation of content platforms.
Compliance Crackdown Underway
Highlighting efforts to clean up the media landscape, the Minister said the National Communications Authority (NCA) had already conducted a comprehensive audit of broadcasting licences and spectrum usage.
“Only compliant and operational stations will remain on air,” he stressed. “This protects spectrum integrity and strengthens the credibility of our authorisation regime.”
He urged media houses to renew their licences on time, pay their regulatory fees, and comply with technical standards, warning that non-compliant stations will face sanctions, including revocation of licences.
“As your presenters hold the government to account, please ensure you maintain your authorisations in good standing with the regulator,” Mr. George said.
Addressing Content Standards and Digital Transition
The Minister raised concerns about the growing lack of professionalism in the broadcasting space, noting the rise of false content, sensationalism, and what he called “the Wild West nature” of parts of the digital media environment.
While acknowledging the importance of media freedom and editorial discretion, Mr. George insisted that all media platforms—traditional or digital—must adhere to ethical standards and operate within regulatory frameworks.
“Pornographic and sexually explicit content should not be allowed to soil the innocence of the airwaves,” he warned. “We must use the regulatory whip to drive out charlatans posing as men of God, as well as unscrupulous fetish priests exploiting the public.”
He further noted that embracing digital transformation, partnerships with telecom and tech firms, and upskilling the media workforce are essential if Ghanaian broadcasters are to thrive in the new digital economy.
Call for African-Led Global Media Presence
In a keynote speech, former President John Agyekum Kufuor called for greater investment in Africa-owned international media platforms that can compete with CNN and Al Jazeera.
“We need strong African broadcast voices that can shape narratives, tell our stories, and project a positive image of the continent globally,” he said, adding that this would also support initiatives like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Looking Ahead
As the government accelerates efforts to align policy with global best practices, stakeholders are expected to play a greater role in shaping a resilient, ethical, and competitive broadcasting landscape.
“The transformation of Ghana’s broadcasting space must be a shared responsibility,” Mr. George concluded. “Only through collaboration can we secure the integrity of our airwaves and the future of our democracy.”
