64 Radio Stations Shut Down For ‘Regulatory Breaches’ By NCA

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has instructed numerous frequency modulation broadcasting stations across the country to immediately stop operations over what it calls as persistent and serious breaches of regulatory requirements.

They include Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM, all based in Accra.

In an official communique issued on Wednesday, June 12, the NCA mentioned the enforcement initiative targets stations that have refused to abide with key provisions of the Electronic Communications Regulations ( 2011) (L.I. 1991), specifically Regulations 54 and 56, as well as the terms and conditions attached to their broadcasting authorisations.

The enforcement comes after a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, instructing the NCA to apply appropriate sanctions after a recent audit revealed widespread non-compliance within the FM broadcasting sector.

According to the NCA, the enforcement is being executed in phases, commencing with stations identified in the Frequency Audit Report. The infractions identified in the first phase include:

Twenty-eight (28) FM stations operating with expired authorisations, despite prior orders issued in 2024 to cease broadcasting. These stations remain on air in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failing to commence operations within two years of receiving authorisation. Although they have since requested inspections, various lapses have stalled the process — yet these stations continue to broadcast, contravening Regulation 54.

Thirteen (13) FM stations with Provisional Authorisations who have not settled the requisite fees in full and therefore lack valid authorisations to operate. This again breaches Section 2(4) of Act 775.

Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional fees but have not yet been issued final authorisations due to non-fulfilment of Regulation 54 requirements.

In total, sixty-two (62) stations have been affected. The NCA expatiated that these media platforms do not currently hold valid authorisations or certificates of compliance and must rectify all outstanding infractions before they can resume operations.

While recognising the key role FM stations play in national conversations and development, the NCA emphasized the essence of regulatory adherence.

“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 warned.

The NCA reiterated its commitment to upholding order and integrity within the broadcasting terrain and appealed to all authorised media platforms to see to utter compliance with operational and licensing obligations.