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The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed several FM radio stations across the country to immediately suspend operations due to persistent and serious violations of broadcasting regulations.
Among the affected stations are Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM, all based in Accra.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 12, the NCA said the action is part of a broader enforcement effort targeting stations that have failed to comply with key provisions of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991)—specifically Regulations 54 and 56—as well as the terms and conditions of their broadcasting authorisations.
The enforcement follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, who called on the NCA to apply appropriate sanctions after a recent compliance audit revealed widespread regulatory breaches in the FM broadcasting sector.
“The NCA remains committed to ensuring that broadcasting standards are upheld in the interest of national development, public safety, and fair competition,” the statement noted.
The Authority emphasized that it will continue to monitor and take necessary actions against any entities operating outside the legal framework governing electronic communications in Ghana.
According to the NCA, the affected stations fall into one or more of the following categories:
- 28 stations are operating with expired authorisations, despite having been ordered in 2024 to cease broadcasting. These operations violate Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
- 14 stations received Notices of Revocation for failing to commence operations within two years of receiving authorisation. Although some have requested inspections, unresolved issues have delayed approval — yet they continue to broadcast, in breach of Regulation 54 of L.I. 1991.
- 13 stations hold Provisional Authorisations but have not paid their fees in full, and therefore lack valid authorisation to operate. This constitutes another violation of Section 2(4) of Act 775.
- 7 stations have paid provisional fees but have not met the requirements under Regulation 54 to be granted final authorisations.
“The NCA reiterates that these stations do not currently hold valid authorisations or certificates of compliance, and must address all outstanding infractions before they can resume broadcasting,” the statement emphasized.
This marks the first phase of a larger compliance initiative by the NCA aimed at restoring regulatory order within the FM broadcasting sector. The Authority indicated that further enforcement actions will follow as the phased audit continues.
The NCA has urged all broadcasting entities to review their compliance status and take immediate steps to align with the Electronic Communications Act and relevant regulatory instruments, to avoid further sanctions.
