The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation has announced plans to review Ghana’s broadcasting policy framework to address the realities of digital convergence, where television, radio, and internet-based broadcasting are increasingly merging into one ecosystem.
The announcement was made in Accra by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, during a high-level media forum organised by the Africa Media Bureau under the theme “Aligning Policy, Technology and Global Best Practices for a Resilient Media Landscape.”
The event, which brought together regulators, policymakers, industry leaders, and technology experts, examined the challenges and opportunities of rapid technological change in broadcasting.
“The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation is reviewing Ghana’s broadcasting policy framework to reflect the realities of digital convergence, where radio, television, and internet-based broadcasting increasingly overlap within a single ecosystem.
“In light of this, my ministry will collaborate with the Ministry of Government Communications and other key stakeholders to take a dispassionate look at the current broadcasting bill with the view to making it reflective of the nuanced realities of today’s world”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation
The Minister noted that the forum came at a critical juncture as new technologies, including artificial intelligence and 5G, shifting consumer habits, and regulatory pressures are redefining content creation, delivery, and monetisation.
Panel discussions centred on compliance, digital convergence, innovative business models, and strategies to ensure financial sustainability for the media in an increasingly competitive ecosystem.
As part of the dialogue, broadcasters were reminded of their responsibility to operate within established regulatory standards, as the Minister warned that regulation would be enforced more consistently.
“As presenters hold the government accountable. Broadcasters must also be accountable to the NCA. If your station is shut down, don’t blame Sam George – the free ride has run out of gas”
Hon. Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation
Financing the DTT Platform
Hon. George also highlighted the financial strain on Ghana’s Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) platform, revealing that the system had been subsidised by the state for a decade without broadcasters paying the necessary fees.
“We will consult on a new model to ensure sustainability,” he said, announcing that the government intends to engage stakeholders on a cost-sharing model to make the platform sustainable amid growing demand for slots. “The government can no longer subsidize Ghana’s DTT platform,” he stated emphatically.
The Minister also emphasised that ethical standards must apply equally to both traditional and new media. He argued that the expansion of digital platforms in today’s media landscape should not translate into unchecked content or declining journalistic principles.
“New media cannot be the wild west – once you broadcast, the ethics and standards of journalism must guide you,” Hon. George asserted, and further called for a cleanup of Ghana’s airwaves, lamenting the increasing presence of exploitative and harmful broadcasts.
“Charlatans parading as ‘men of God,’ money-doublers, and fetish priests must be driven off our airwaves,” he declared, criticising explicit late-night shows and fake prophetic content that, in his view, undermines public morality.
The forum also featured contributions from former President John Agyekum Kufuor, who stressed the importance of adapting to technological advancement. “In this age and era, if you are not into the digital age, it doesn’t matter the education you have, you will be considered illiterate,” he remarked, underscoring the urgency of digital literacy.
According to the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, the review of the broadcasting policy will ensure that Ghana’s legal and regulatory frameworks are updated to match the pace of technological change and to position the country for a resilient and innovative media future.
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