By Ashiadey Dotse
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered 62 FM radio stations in Ghana to stop broadcasting immediately, following findings that they have violated various broadcasting regulations.
According to a press release issued by the NCA on Thursday, June 12, 2025, many of the affected stations either failed to renew their licences, ignored previous warnings, or did not comply with the conditions required for operating radio stations in Ghana.
The enforcement action follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, who instructed the NCA to apply sanctions against stations found to be operating illegally based on a recent audit.
Categories of Offenders
The 62 stations have been grouped into four categories:
Expired Licences:
28 stations continued broadcasting despite their licences having expired. They were directed to cease operations in 2024 but failed to comply, thereby violating Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Failure to Commence Operations:
14 stations were issued shutdown notices for failing to begin operations within two years of receiving their licences. Although they requested inspections, they did not rectify the issues in time, resulting in a violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).
Unpaid Authorisation Fees:
13 stations received provisional licences but failed to pay the full authorisation fees. They remain on air without proper approval, violating Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Unmet Licence Requirements:
7 stations paid for provisional licences but did not meet the requirements outlined in Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) for final approval.
The NCA clarified that these stations are not permitted to operate until all violations are addressed and full authorisation is granted.
The Authority also reminded all broadcasters that while radio stations play a vital role in national development, they are required to operate within the bounds of the law. It warned that continued non-compliance will attract severe consequences.
The NCA encouraged all operators to meet the necessary legal requirements in order to promote order and sustainability within the broadcasting industry.
