President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to liaise with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately restore the broadcast of sixty-four (64) radio stations affected by the regulator's action.

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The National Communications Authority (NCA) today ordered a total of 62 FM broadcasting stations to immediately suspend operations on their respective frequencies due to persistent violations of regulatory requirements.

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The non-compliant stations violated Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Conditions of their FM Broadcasting Authorisations.

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In a statement by the Presidency on June 12, it was revealed that President Mahama is of the opinion that regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom.

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Per the statement, "requiring radio stations to shut down while awaiting the regularisation of their authorisation could limit the space for expressing such freedoms."

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The President has thus requested the sector minister to work with the NCA on a reasonable timeframe within which the affected stations should regularise their authorisation.

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Founder of Asaase Radio, Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, earlier confirmed the suspended operations of his radio station.

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In a post on X, Mr Otchere-Darko revealed that his uniform was supposed to renew its licence in October last year but only did so in December.

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Asaase Radio was set to commemorate its 5th anniversary on Saturday, June 14.

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"Yes, it’s true. Asaase Radio 99.5, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down. The General Manager informs me it’s because the station delayed in renewing its licence last year. It was to be renewed by October but only done in December 2024," Gabby Otchere-Darko wrote on X.

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In response, the Communications Minister Sam Nartey George entreated Mr Otchere-Darko to take advantage of the 30-days clemency the President has given and act according to what the law states.

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"The action by the NCA is in conformance with law. It is imperative we all respect the laws and act accordingly. Those affected are advised to take advantage of the 30-days clemency the President has given. For God and Country."

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Per a statement issued by NCA, its action follows a directive issued by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, mandating the authority to enforce applicable sanctions on stations found to be in violation of the regulations in the recent audit conducted to ensure full compliance with licensing and operational requirements in the broadcasting sector.

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The NCA has thus commenced enforcement of regulatory sanctions against the defaulting entities identified in the Frequency Audit Report in phases.

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The categorisation of infractions under the first phase includes 28 stations operating with expired authorizations.

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Some of these stations were ordered by the NCA in 2024 to cease broadcasting but have persisted in the illegality. This represents violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act. 2008 (Act 775).

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Also, 14 FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failure to set up within two (2) years from the date of their Authorizations but subsequently requested inspection, but the process has not been completed due to various lapses they have to rectify but are still on air.

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These stations are in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011. LI. 1991.

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Thirteen (13) FM stations that applied for authorization to continue operating and have been issued provisional authorization but have not settled the provisional authorization fees in full and hence do not have the valid authorization to continue operating.

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This represents a violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

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Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional authorization fees but final authorization has yet to be issued and have not fulfilled the requirements of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011. L.I. 1991.

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A total of approximately sixty-two (62) stations have been affected.

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"These stations currently do not hold valid broadcasting Authorisations or do not have a Certificate of Compliance to commence operations and may only resume operations once all regulatory infractions have been addressed and rectified," the NCA wrote in its statement.

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The NCA noted that it acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development; however, it is imperative that all authorization holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their authorizations.

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Meanwhile, the Authority has assured the general public that it remains dedicated to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector.

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In February this year, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, ordered the closure of seven radio stations across the country for failing to comply with broadcasting regulations and national security requirements.

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Fire Group of Companies, I-Zar Consult Limited, Abochannel Media Group, Okyeame Radio Limited, Mumen Bono Foundation, and Osikani Community FM—were operating without valid frequency authorizations, while one, Gumah FM in Bawku, was closed on security grounds.

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Announcing the decision in a Facebook post on Tuesday, February 18, the minister emphasized the need for strict enforcement of media regulations to ensure responsible broadcasting.

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The move sparked discussions on media freedom and regulation, with some welcoming the enforcement of broadcasting standards, while others questioned the potential impact on press freedom.

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The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)highlighted the unconstitutionality of shutting down the radio stations without consulting major stakeholders such as the independent National Media Commission (NMC).

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The Minority in Parliament then demanded that the Minister must appear before the House to provide clarity over the matter, but the Majority objected.

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