NCA suspends Asaase, Wontumi, 60 others over regulatory breaches

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered 62 FM radio stations across Ghana to immediately suspend operations due to multiple and persistent breaches of broadcasting regulations.

The affected stations include prominent outlets such as Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM.

NCA, in a statement dated Wednesday, June 12, cited violations of key provisions in the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), and the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), particularly Regulations 54 and 56.

The enforcement action follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation after a recent audit revealed widespread non-compliance across the FM broadcasting sector.

According to the NCA, the first phase of enforcement uncovered 28 stations that were still broadcasting despite operating with expired authorisations.

These stations had previously been directed to cease operations in 2024 but failed to comply.

In addition, 14 stations that were granted licences but failed to commence operations within the required two-year period were found to be on air without having undergone necessary inspections.

Thirteen others were operating under provisional authorisations without having fully paid the necessary fees, while seven more had paid the required fees but had not fulfilled the conditions for final approval.

The NCA emphasised that none of these 62 stations currently hold valid authorisations or certificates of compliance and warned that operations must remain suspended until all outstanding infractions are resolved.

Reports indicate that Asaase Radio (99.5 FM) has already gone off air, marking the beginning of the enforcement rollout.

The NCA noted that this operation is being carried out in phases, starting with those captured in the initial Frequency Audit Report.

While acknowledging the vital role that radio stations play in Ghana’s national development, the NCA underscored the importance of adhering to regulatory requirements.

It warned that further violations could attract more severe consequences.

Read below the statement