The Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA), Rev. Ing. Edmund Yirenkyi Fianko, has pointed out constitutional limitations that restrict the Authority’s ability to regulate Ghana’s broadcasting sector effectively.
Speaking at the “Broadcasting at the Crossroads” forum organised by the Africa Media Bureau at the Alisa Hotel on Friday, September 26, 2025, Rev. Fianko explained that under existing laws, the NCA can only reject a broadcasting authorisation if there is no available frequency, provided all other requirements are met.
“Currently, the only constitutional construct that we have has placed some limitations on the NCA. The only reason we have to decline a broadcasting authorisation properly when the person has met all other requirements is the unavailability of a frequency,” he said.
He further noted that while the constitution indicates that a licence is not required to operate a mass media outlet, spectrum resources still require strict regulation.
“Unlike other sectors where we regulate, and where we can look at the economics of the market and other metrics, when it comes to broadcasting, until the law changes, we are very limited,” he added.
Rev. Fianko stressed the urgency of legal reforms to give the NCA broader regulatory powers, including the ability to assess market economics and enforce content standards in a broadcasting environment that is becoming increasingly complex with digital convergence.