Communication Ministry to form technical group on broadcasting bill
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
The Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has announced plans to establish a technical working group to chart a way forward on the long-delayed Broadcasting Bill and other regulatory issues in the media sector.
Speaking at the Africa Media Bureau’s forum, the Minister said he does not intend for such platforms to become mere talk shops, but rather spaces for delivering tangible outcomes.
“There’s going to be a workshop report that the rapporteur will put together. And that report will not just sit on our desks at the Ministry. It will form the basis for a technical working group comprising the NCA, NMC, GIBA, the African Media Bureau and other stakeholders,” Mr George disclosed.
He explained that his approach to policy formulation is driven by consensus rather than personal preferences, stressing the importance of alignment with industry stakeholders.
“I don’t want to take policy decisions because that’s how I feel. I want to take policy decisions because the industry agrees with me that this is the way to go,” Mr George said.
The Minister said the proposed working group will consider different options, including strengthening the mandates of the National Communications Authority (NCA) and the National Media Commission (NMC), while ensuring an overarching law that guarantees their independence.
“I personally believe we can strengthen both the NCA and NMC and still have a Broadcasting Bill that speaks to the independence of those institutions. But that is my position. It is the stakeholder engagement that will draw the final conclusion,” he added.
Mr George also revealed that his ministry is currently reviewing 15 legislations simultaneously, including the NCA Act and the Electronic Communications Act, to address regulatory loopholes and align with government’s digital transformation agenda.
