The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) is to convene an emergency council meeting Monday over sanctions meted out to 131 radio stations by the National Communications Authority (NCA).
A statement issued by GIBA’s president, Andrew Danso-Aninkora said the association would hold the meeting in Accra “to discuss a common ground and the way forward with the matter”.
About 34 radio stations had their operational authorization revoked for failing to renew their expired authorization for several years and operated illegally. Others were also sanctioned by the NCA for various infractions in their operational authorization permits.
The Executive Council of GIBA, the statement said, noted with “great concern” the actions of the National Communications Authority, describing as “heavy”, fines imposed on some of its members.
“GIBA is alarmed by the effects of the heavy sanctions on the stations, the extent these actions have on investments and the employment security of their workers.”
It added, “The Executive believes the situation as it stands now is rigid, harsh and can affect the morale of others in doing legitimate business knowing the unpredictable terrain of business in Ghana.”
But the GIBA statement acknowledged that “the Council believes the association’s relationship with NCA remains good and the doors for negotiations still opened.”
Meanwhile, GIBA said it will release a full statement on its stand on the sanctions after Monday’s “crucial meeting with the Council of Elders.”
It therefore encouraged the affected members and all other members to continue exploring all avenues in opening discussions and engaging the authorities of the NCA to arrive at an agreeable solution to the matter.
Read: 76 radio stations fined over GHC1billion for various breaches
Source: 3news.com | Ghana