The Minister of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has announced plans to set up a committee to chart a clear roadmap for broadcasting reforms in the country. The committee is set to be established by next Friday and will be tasked with reviewing proposals aimed at enhancing the quality of media and broadcasting.
The announcement was made during a meeting with a team from the Africa Media Bureau, led by Hillary Andoh. The Africa Media Bureau, organizers of the “Broadcast at the Crossroads Forum,” presented the Minister with a report containing key findings and contributions from the forum.
During the discussion, Minister George stressed that while media freedom is fundamental, the quality of media output is equally crucial for maintaining public trust and strengthening democracy.
He explained that the committee will collaborate with major industry players, including the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communications Authority (NCA), to define a new policy direction for the broadcasting sector.
The goal of this initiative is to improve the professionalism, credibility, and public respect for journalists and broadcasters.
The primary task of the committee will be to recommend a regulatory framework for the upcoming Broadcasting Bill. Specifically, the committee will explore two options: either consolidating the mandates of the NMC and NCA under a single regulatory body or strengthening the existing dual structure through a “converged regulation” model.
“It’s important that we don’t rush into amending the bill without a clear direction,” the Minister cautioned.
The committee is expected to be fully constituted within the next few days and will be given a 30-day mandate to consult widely with stakeholders across the media landscape before submitting its final recommendations.
The formation of this committee represents a significant step forward in redefining Ghana’s broadcasting environment, especially as both traditional and new media platforms face growing scrutiny over standards, ethics, and public trust.
