The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered 62 non-compliant FM broadcasting stations across Ghana to suspend operations with immediate effect, citing multiple regulatory infractions, including expired authorisations and failure to comply with licensing conditions.
This move follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, urging the NCA to impose sanctions on stations found violating licensing and operational standards as identified in the recent Frequency Audit Report. The violations include operating with expired authorisations, failure to complete setup inspections, and unpaid provisional authorisation fees.
The NCA detailed the infractions under three main categories:
Twenty-eight (28) stations were found operating with expired authorisations. Some had already been ordered to cease operations in 2024 but continued broadcasting in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Fourteen (14) stations, previously issued Notices of Revocation for failure to begin operations within two years of authorisation, remained on air despite not completing the required inspection process. These are in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).
Thirteen (13) stations that applied for authorisation had paid for provisional approval but failed to settle the required fees or meet final authorisation conditions, also breaching Act 775.
Additionally, seven (7) more FM stations had paid provisional fees but had yet to be granted final authorisation due to unfulfilled regulatory obligations.
“These stations do not hold valid broadcasting authorisations or Certificates of Compliance and must cease operations until all infractions are resolved,” the NCA emphasized in its statement.
While acknowledging the important role of radio in national development, the NCA underscored the need for all authorisation holders to adhere strictly to regulatory conditions. Non-compliance, it warned, will be treated as an affront to broadcasting rules and will carry serious consequences.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to promoting order and compliance in the broadcasting industry and urged all FM stations to regularize their operations to ensure continued service.
