Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has unveiled a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen Ghana’s broadcasting sector, highlighting five key priorities to ensure sustainability, inclusivity, and competitiveness in the digital age.
Speaking at a high-level media forum organized by the Africa Media Bureau at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Friday, September 26, Mr. George described broadcasting as “a pillar of national cohesion, a driver of innovation, and a safeguard of democratic participation.” He stressed the need for urgent reforms to address compliance, quality, and technological disruptions in the sector.
Compliance and Regulation
The minister announced stricter enforcement of licensing rules, warning that non-operational or persistently non-compliant stations risk having their authorisations withdrawn. This, he said, would protect spectrum integrity and restore public confidence in broadcasting.
Embracing Digital Convergence
He emphasized the importance of updating Ghana’s regulatory framework to reflect digital convergence, where terrestrial, satellite, and internet-based broadcasting increasingly overlap. The aim, he explained, is to safeguard competition while ensuring consumer choice.
Local Content and Professional Standards
Mr. George urged greater investment in local content and professional standards, alongside stronger fact-checking and media literacy initiatives. He noted that enhancing credibility in an era of misinformation was crucial for the survival of the industry.
Adoption of New Technologies
Highlighting global shifts in content creation and distribution, the minister encouraged broadcasters to embrace emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and 5G to remain competitive and efficient.
Regional Cooperation and Benchmarking
Finally, he called for greater collaboration with regional and global partners to strengthen Ghana’s broadcasting institutions and ensure alignment with international best practices.
Concluding his remarks, Mr. George urged media stakeholders to translate the forum’s discussions into concrete action: “The decisions we make today will determine the future of the sector, either its survival or complete demise. There can be no higher law in journalism than to tell the truth and shame the devil.”
