9 Radio stations shut over regulatory breaches
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended the operations of nine radio stations across the country for regulatory infractions, including failure to comply with broadcasting laws and operating without the required certification.
The affected media organisations include three stations operating under Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited, whose management has claimed that, contrary to the cited infractions, the company has complied with the relevant requirements.
The management has consequently indicated that it will engage the NCA on the subject.
The other affected stations are Donplus Multimedia Limited 105.9 FM, Ho; Dreams Ghana Media Limited 104.9 FM, New Abirem; Jam Multimedia Limited 101.3 FM, Kintampo; Jewel Group Limited 102.7 FM, Duayaw Nkwanta; Kpandai Star Community Radio 107.3 FM, Kpandai; and Unique Gateway Communication Limited 105.7 FM, Nkawkaw.
Decision
The decision, announced via a press release dated August 12, 2025, followed the expiration of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama to defaulting stations to rectify breaches of FM broadcasting regulations.
According to the regulator, while several non-compliant stations acted during the amnesty period to remedy breaches, six of the affected stations did not take any action to comply with the regulatory amnesty.
However, the three other stations under Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited, namely 95.9 FM operating in Accra, 101.3 FM, in Kumasi and 101.3 FM operating in
Takoradi, were sanctioned for operating without a Certificate of Compliance, in breach of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).
Other violations also cited by the industry regulator included the unauthorised use of studio-to-transmitter link (STL) frequencies and unapproved transmitter locations.
Response
Lawyer for Wontumi Multimedia, Andy Appiah-Kubi, however, responding to the suspension in media interviews, explained that his client had complied with all requirements set out by the NCA following the amnesty.
“Upon the grant of the amnesty, my client and I have met all expectations.
We suspect there may have been some communication challenges,” he said.
He added that Wontumi Multimedia has invited the NCA to conduct inspections at its facilities.
“We are seeking a meeting with the NCA so that all of us can be on the same page and explore a solution.
I am confident that when we convene, present our evidence and clarify matters, this decision will be reconsidered and our operations restored,” he said.
Commitment
The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to uphold broadcasting standards and to maintain order and integrity in the media space.
“We will continue to monitor the broadcasting space to ensure compliance with the relevant authorisation conditions and the laws and regulations governing broadcasting in Ghana,” the statement read.
Background
In June this year, the NCA ordered the shutdown of 62 FM radio stations, including notable stations such as Asaase Radio, Happy FM and Wontumi FM, due to various regulatory violations.
However, President Mahama intervened, directing the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations to collaborate with the NCA to develop a time frame within which the affected stations could regularise their operations.
Acting on the directive, a 30-day grace period was granted to the affected networks, during which period enforcement actions were suspended.
This is not the first time electronic media outlets have been shut down for breaching regulatory requirements.
In 2019, for instance, Radio Gold and Radio XYZ were shut down for operating without valid authorisations, in line with a ruling from the Electronic Communication Tribunal.
The NCA approved the licences for the two stations in October 2021, with Radio Gold resuming operation later in March 2022.
The move, the authorities said at the time, was part of a nationwide compliance drive following a 2017 FM spectrum audit.
