In a sweeping regulatory crackdown, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has yanked nine radio stations off the air for breaching broadcasting laws.
The action follows the expiry of the 30-day grace period personally granted by President Mahama, aimed at giving defaulting stations a final chance to regularise their operations. While many scrambled to comply, the NCA says some failed, refused and neglected to do so, sealing their fate.
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The six stations that completely ignored the directive include:
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Donplus Multimedia Limited – 105.9 MHz (Ho)
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Dreams Ghana Media Limited – 104.9 MHz (New Abirem)
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Jam Multimedia Limited – 101.3 MHz (Kintampo)
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Jewel Group Limited – 102.7 MHz (Duayaw Nkwanta)
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Kpandai Star Community Radio – 107.3 MHz (Kpandai)
6. Unique Gateway Communication Limited – 105.7 MHz (Nkawkaw)A statement by the Authority indicated that these FM stations failed to comply with the laws and regulations governing FM broadcasting in Ghana, despite the amnesty period provided to enable them to remedy the breaches.
Three others — all under Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited were cited for unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies, unapproved transmitter sites, and operating without a Certificate of Compliance, in breach of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991):
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Wontumi Radio 95.9 MHz (Takoradi)
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Wontumi Radio 101.3 MHz (Accra)
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Wontumi Radio 101.3 MHz (Kumasi)
The NCA emphasised that the move was necessary to uphold industry standards and ensure fair competition.
“The Authority remains committed to sanitising the broadcasting space. Those who breach the law undermine the integrity of the industry and the trust of the public,” the statement said.
The Authority further assured that it will continue monitoring the broadcasting sector to ensure compliance with all relevant authorisation conditions and regulations.
“We will not hesitate to take action against any operator who flouts the rules. Our mandate is to protect the spectrum and ensure that broadcasting in Ghana serves the public interest,” it added.
The suspended stations will remain off-air until they fully comply with the stipulated requirements.
