Ghana Shuts Down 62 Radio Stations Including Major Pro Opposition NPP Channels

Source: Africa Publicity

Ghana’s National Communications Authority (NCA) has shut down 62 FM broadcasting stations across Ghana, particularly major channels such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM which are owned by elements of the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP).

NCA ordered the immediate suspension of the operations of the stations for alleged multiple regulatory breaches.

According to NCA in a statement, “a total of approximately sixty-two (62) stations have been affected. These stations currently do not hold valid broadcasting authorization or do not have a Certificate of Compliance to commence operations and may only resume operations once all regulatory infractions have been addressed and rectified.”

The statement stressed that the suspension targets stations found to be operating with expired authorisations, unpaid license fees, or failure to meet conditions stipulated under the Electronic Communications Act and its accompanying regulations.

It added that “The enforcement action has become necessary due to persistent violations of regulatory requirements, specifically Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Conditions of their FM Broadcasting Authorizations.”

The statement says a recent audit by the NCA – backed by a ministerial directive – revealed widespread non-compliance, prompting the suspension aimed at restoring order and adherence to broadcasting standards.

Asaase Radio, an Accra-based station, broadcasts on 99.5 FM.

Wontumi FM is said to be owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.