NCA Orders Immediate Shutdown of 62 FM Stations Over Regulatory Violations

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered several FM radio stations across Ghana to immediately suspend their operations due to persistent and significant violations of broadcasting regulations.

Among the affected stations are prominent Accra-based outlets such as Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM.

In a statement released on Wednesday, June 12, the NCA stated that the enforcement action targets broadcasters who have failed to meet critical requirements outlined in the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), particularly Regulations 54 and 56, as well as the conditions attached to their broadcasting licences.

The move follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, calling on the NCA to take appropriate action after a recent sector audit uncovered widespread non-compliance.

The NCA indicated that the crackdown is being implemented in phases, beginning with stations listed in its Frequency Audit Report. Key issues identified in the first phase include:

1. 28 stations operating with expired authorisations, despite receiving notices in 2024 to cease broadcasting — a violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

2. 14 stations that failed to begin operations within two years of receiving authorisation. Though they have requested inspections, delays have hindered the process. Nevertheless, these stations continue to broadcast, contravening Regulation 54.

3. 13 stations holding Provisional Authorisations who have not fully paid their fees, meaning they are not legally authorised to operate — another breach of Section 2(4) of Act 775.

4. 7 stations that, despite paying provisional fees, have not met Regulation 54 requirements necessary to obtain final authorisations.

In total, 62 FM stations have been affected. According to the NCA, these stations currently lack valid authorisations or compliance certificates and must resolve all outstanding regulatory issues before resuming operations.

While recognising the vital contribution of FM broadcasters to national development and public engagement, the NCA stressed the need for strict adherence to broadcasting regulations.

“Failure to comply with this directive constitutes a serious breach of the conditions governing FM broadcasting and may lead to severe consequences regarding their authorisations,” the Authority cautioned.

The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining discipline and transparency within Ghana’s broadcasting landscape and urged all operators to comply fully with licensing and operational requirements.