NCA shuts down 62 Radio Stations

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered some radio stations across the country to stop broadcasting immediately for breaching various regulatory rules.

The directive affects over 60 FM stations that failed to comply with licensing requirements outlined in Ghana’s Electronic Communications laws.

The NCA’s action follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation after a recent audit revealed widespread non-compliance.

The Authority is rolling out enforcement in phases, targeting stations with expired licenses, incomplete authorisation processes, or unpaid regulatory fees.

In the first phase, 28 stations were found to be operating with expired authorisations. Some had been directed to shut down as far back as 2024, but continued broadcasting.

Another 14 stations, though previously issued notices of revocation for failing to establish operations within the required timeframe, have yet to complete the inspection process due to unresolved issues. Thirteen more stations had received provisional authorisations but failed to pay the necessary fees, and seven others, though having paid, had not fulfilled all the requirements to be fully authorised.

These infractions violate both the Electronic Communications Act of 2008 and the 2011 Regulations governing the broadcasting sector. The NCA said affected stations can resume operations only after they resolve all outstanding issues.

Speaking on the matter, a spokesperson for the NCA said, “We understand the important role radio plays in our communities, but rules must be followed. Compliance ensures fairness and professionalism in the industry.”

The Authority urged all broadcasters to align with regulatory standards to maintain order in the sector.