The Ghanaian government has taken a significant step in regulating the media landscape by shutting down Wontumi Radio and 61 other radio stations.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has taken decisive action against these 62 radio stations for violating the regulatory framework governing broadcasting in the country.
According to the NCA, the affected radio stations have failed to renew their expired licenses, which is a requirement under the Electronic Communications Regulations. The terms and conditions attached to their broadcasting authorizations were not met, leading to this enforcement action.
The list of affected stations includes prominent names such as Wontumi FM, Happy FM, and Asaase Radio, among others. These stations are based in major cities, including Accra and Kumasi.
Out of the 62 affected stations:
- 28 were found to be operating with expired authorisations.
- 14 received authorisation but failed to set up operations within two years, breaching regulatory timelines.
- 13 are operating under provisional authorisation, despite having paid the required fees.
- 7 stations paid provisional fees, but final authorisation is pending due to non-fulfilment of requirements under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations.
The NCA has emphasized that the enforcement action is aimed at ensuring compliance with the regulatory framework and maintaining the integrity of the broadcasting sector. The Authority has ordered the affected stations to cease broadcasting immediately until they comply with the regulatory requirements.
