The Government of President John Mahama has ordered the closure of 62 FM radio stations including Asaase Radio for breaching broadcasting regulations, which is the largest clampdown on the sector in recent memory.
The move, spearheaded by the National Communications Authority (NCA) under directives from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, targets stations found to be operating without valid licenses or in violation of regulatory requirements.
The NCA confirmed the enforcement action in a press release on Wednesday, citing repeated non-compliance with specific provisions of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) and the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).
The infractions, according to the Authority, were unearthed following a nationwide frequency audit aimed at sanitizing the broadcasting space.
Details of the Violations
The enforcement action is being carried out in phases.
In the first phase, infractions fell into four main categories:
1. Expired Authorisations: 28 FM stations were found to be operating despite the expiry of their authorizations. Some had already been directed to cease operations in 2024 but ignored the orders. This violates Section 2(4) of Act 775.
2. Failure to Operationalise Authorisations: 14 stations had obtained frequency authorizations but failed to commence operations within two years, as law requires. Despite requesting inspections to regularize their status, these stations had not completed the necessary processes but were still on the air — a breach of Regulation 54 of L.I. 1991.
3. Unpaid Provisional Authorisation Fees: 13 stations had received provisional authorizations but had not settled the associated fees in full, rendering them ineligible to broadcast. This, too, falls foul of Section 2(4) of Act 775.
4. Incomplete Authorisation Process: Seven stations had paid for provisional authorizations but failed to fulfill all requirements for final approval under Regulation 54, making their operations non-compliant.
These 62 stations, according to the NCA, must halt operations immediately and will only be allowed to resume broadcasting once all regulatory breaches have been rectified.
Previous Action Set the Stage
The latest development follows an earlier crackdown in February 2025, when the Ministry of Communication ordered the shutdown of seven radio stations under similar circumstances.
Sam George, at the time, cited national security concerns in one case and regulatory violations in six others.
The affected stations then included:
Fire Group of Companies – Sunyani (90.1 MHz), I-Zar Consult Limited – Tamale (89.7 MHz), Abochannel Media Group – Adidome (105.7 MHz), Okyeame Radio Limited – Bibiani (99.7 MHz), Mumen Bono Foundation – Techiman (99.7 MHz) and Osikani Community FM – Nkrankwanta (99.7 MHz).
In each case, the stations had failed to renew licences, fulfil statutory payment obligations, or provide required documentation.
“Their continued operations were illegal,” the Ministry stated, mandating the NCA to enforce e immediate suspension.
NCA Defends Actions
While acknowledging the crucial role radio stations play in public discourse and national development, the NCA emphasized that adherence to broadcasting regulations is non-negotiable.
“Failure to comply constitutes an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM broadcasting and attracts grave consequences,” the Authority warned.
The NCA has urged all frequency authorization holders to regularize their operations or face similar sanctions.
The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring order and compliance in the broadcasting sector, stating that “sanitizing the airwaves is necessary to promote a fair and lawful media environment.”
However, the NCA insists the decision is purely regulatory, and not politically motivated.
The Authority says further audits and enforcement actions will continue in the coming weeks.
