The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered the immediate suspension of operations by 62 FM broadcasting stations across Ghana, citing serious and persistent breaches of regulatory requirements.
Among the affected stations are prominent names such as Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM, all based in Accra. The clampdown is part of a nationwide enforcement effort initiated after a recent audit exposed widespread non-compliance within the FM broadcasting sector.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the NCA said the directive is based on infractions of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) — specifically Regulations 54 and 56, as well as breaches of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
The move follows instructions from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, directing the Authority to enforce sanctions on non-compliant broadcasters. According to the NCA, the enforcement will be rolled out in phases, beginning with the most severe cases identified in the recent Frequency Audit Report.
The violations identified in the first phase include:
- 28 FM stations operating with expired authorisations, in direct contravention of Section 2(4) of Act 775, despite having been ordered in 2024 to cease operations.
- 14 FM stations that were served with Notices of Revocation after failing to commence operations within two years of receiving their licenses. These stations remain on air, despite having failed required inspections.
- 13 FM stations with provisional authorisations who have not completed payment of required fees, rendering their operations unauthorised.
- 7 FM stations that have paid provisional fees but remain non-compliant with Regulation 54 requirements and have not been issued final authorisations.
The NCA emphasized that none of the 62 affected stations currently hold valid broadcasting licences or certificates of compliance.
“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 statement read.
While acknowledging the important role FM stations play in fostering public dialogue and contributing to national development, the Authority underscored the need for strict regulatory adherence to preserve the integrity of Ghana’s media landscape.
The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding order and accountability within the broadcasting industry, urging all authorised broadcasters to ensure full compliance with licensing and operational obligations to avoid future sanctions.
Below is the letter released by National Communications Authority;
