The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called for reforms in Ghana’s broadcasting industry.

He said he would shut down all politically and religiously affiliated media houses if he had the power to do so.

Speaking at a public forum in Accra, he questioned the large number of radio and television stations operating in the country, describing the situation as excessive.

Minister threatens closure of political and religious media outlets

He wondered why a country with a population of about 35 million should have nearly 700 radio stations and 120 television stations.

"Explain to me why a country like Ghana, with 35 million people, has almost 700 radio stations and 120 TV stations. It's pure madness," he said.

Sam George argued that the proliferation of politically and religiously affiliated broadcasters had gone beyond media freedom, describing it instead as "media tyranny".

He also raised concerns about religious organisations allegedly using proxy companies to acquire broadcast licences, despite legal restrictions on religious bodies owning broadcast stations.

"We have a law that says that religious bodies should not own broadcast houses. But we all know that they own it because they use pseudo-entities to apply to the National Communications Authority," he added.

Ghana’s media landscape features a mix of public, private and commercial television and radio stations regulated by the National Communications Authority.

See the video below:

Communications Minister Sam George has questioned why Ghana has nearly 700 radio stations and 120 TV stations, calling the situation “media tyranny." He says some religious bodies use business entities to secure broadcast licences and argues that media outlets affiliated with political or religious groups should be shut down. He also explained why an earlier plan to close 64 media houses was put on hold after the President intervened.

— GHANA CHRONICLES (@_GhChronicles) November 2, 2026