The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered several FM broadcasting stations across the country to suspend operations with immediate effect due to persistent regulatory violations.
A statement issued by the Authority on Thursday, June 12, said the move follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, instructing the NCA to enforce sanctions on stations found to be operating in breach of broadcasting regulations.
The decision comes in the wake of a recent audit conducted by the NCA to assess licensing and operational compliance in the broadcasting sector.
The enforcement action targets stations that have failed to comply with the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), particularly Regulations 54 and 56, as well as other conditions tied to their broadcasting authorisations.
A total of sixty-two (62) FM stations have been affected in the first phase of enforcement. The NCA has categorised the infractions as follows:
- 28 stations operating with expired authorisations, some of which had previously been ordered to cease operations in 2024 but have continued broadcasting illegally violating Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
- 14 stations issued Notices of Revocation for failing to establish operations within two years of being granted authorisation. Despite requesting inspections, these stations remain on air without rectifying required lapses, breaching Regulation 54 of L.I. 1991.
- 13 stations that applied for renewal and received provisional authorisations but failed to fully pay the associated fees. As a result, they lack valid authorisations and are in violation of Section 2 (4) of Act 775.
- 7 stations that have paid for provisional authorisation but have not yet been issued final authorisations due to unfulfilled regulatory requirements under Regulation 54.
While reaffirming the essential role of radio stations in national development and public discourse, the Authority stressed the importance of regulatory compliance.
The NCA assured the public of its continued commitment to ensuring order and professionalism in Ghana’s broadcasting space and urged all media entities to abide by the laws governing the industry.
