The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed 62 FM broadcasting stations across Ghana to immediately suspend operations due to persistent and serious breaches of regulatory requirements. Among the affected stations are prominent broadcasters such as Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM, all based in Accra.
In a statement issued on June 12, 2025, the NCA explained that the enforcement targets stations that violated 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. This action follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, who ordered the NCA to apply appropriate sanctions after a recent frequency audit revealed widespread non-compliance within the FM broadcasting sector.
The enforcement is being implemented in phases, beginning with stations identified in the Frequency Audit Report. The infractions include:
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Twenty-eight stations operating with expired authorisations despite prior orders in 2024 to cease broadcasting, violating Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
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Fourteen stations issued Notices of Revocation for failing to commence operations within two years of authorisation but continuing to broadcast unlawfully.
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Thirteen stations with Provisional Authorisations that have not paid full fees and thus lack valid authorisations.
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Seven stations that have paid provisional fees but have not met requirements for final authorisations.
The NCA clarified that these 62 stations currently hold no valid authorisations or certificates of compliance and must resolve all outstanding issues before resuming operations.
While acknowledging the important role FM stations play in national discourse and development, the NCA emphasized the necessity of strict regulatory compliance. The Authority warned that failure to adhere to the suspension order constitutes a serious breach that could lead to severe consequences regarding their authorisations.
Following the directive, some affected stations, including Asaase Radio, have already gone off air. Asaase Radio’s General Manager noted the station delayed renewing its license last year, which contributed to the suspension.
The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining order and integrity in the broadcasting sector and urged all authorised entities to fully comply with operational and licensing obligations to avoid further sanctions.
This decisive crackdown aims to sanitize Ghana’s airwaves, ensuring all FM broadcasters operate legally and uphold the standards required by law.
