Govt unveils broadcasting bill to regulate media content and protect audiences

Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has started discussions with stakeholder on the long-awaited Broadcasting Bill.

The Bill will concentrate on content regulation, classification, and coordinating the roles of media regulators to conform to constitutional requirements. The forum brought together decision-makers like the National Media Commission (NMC), Hon. Felix Ofosu Kwakye (MP), the Minister for Government Communications and the National Film Authority (NFA).

Mr. Sam George disclosed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) would soon be signed to formalise collaboration among the regulatory bodies, including the NFA, NMC, and the National Communications Authority (NCA). The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is expected to act as the framework for an  integrated regulatory system that supports both local content development and ethical broadcasting.

Hon. George said “This is about protecting viewers and listeners, particularly children, while also supporting creative freedom and innovation. The Broadcasting Bill will not just regulate, it will empower.”

Their goal was to streamline existing directives, clarify the regulatory landscape, and ensure that the proposed legislation go according to with Ghana’s constitutional freedoms. A major emphasis of the meeting was the critical requirement for clear guidelines on content regulation and enforcement, an issue that has long been a grey area in Ghana’s growing media ecosystem. Concerns around unregulated content, inappropriate programming, and the absence of a standardized classification system  have made the bill a national priority.

The meeting attained considerable progress in addressing disputed issues and setting the groundwork for wider industry engagement in the coming months. The Minister showed concerned that with continued cooperation, Ghana would soon have a regulatory framework that balances freedom of communication that reflects a strong commitment to responsible actions and transparent accountability.

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