Samson’s Take: Ghana’s media madness – Politicians created it
Sam Nartey George says Ghana's broadcasting landscape is overcrowded, describing the proliferation of radio and television stations as pure madness. He's absolutely right about the problem.
Ghana's broadcasting landscape is overcrowded, according to Sam Nartey George. He accurately identifies the issue, but he wonders who created this madness and who frustrated efforts to bring order to the industry. The answer lies with politicians who cared little for principles. In 2017, Ghana had 471 authorized FM stations, far exceeding Kenya's 118 and South Africa's 59.
By 2023, the number had jumped to 793 authorized stations, with only 571 operational. This media saturation raises questions about quality journalism. The issue stems from politicians distributing frequencies like political gifts, exacerbating the problem. Media freedom is a constitutional treasure, but the focus should be on quality journalism, not on multiplying stations.
The Ghana Broadcasting Corporation's policy only served to fuel the fire of political patronage and commercial desperation. The issue goes beyond just the NDC and NPP; politicians from both parties have acquired frequencies without the resources to operate viable stations. The widespread misuse of broadcasting frequencies for personal gain has led to a crisis in public confidence.
The solution cannot be arbitrary closures, censorship, or ministerial control of public discourse. Instead, a constitutionally sound broadcasting bill must be passed, and the real owners of stations must be disclosed. Excessive ownership concentration must be restricted, and the independent National Media Commission must be empowered.
Strong professional accountability is needed to confront online harms. Ghana's media needs more responsible journalism, not merely more broadcasting stations.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
