Ghana’s broadcasting landscape has been significantly impacted by a recent directive from the National Communications Authority (NCA), which has ordered the immediate suspension of operations for over 60 FM radio stations nationwide. Among those affected are Wontumi FM and Asaase Radio, both reportedly affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party. This widespread shutdown highlights a concerted effort by the government to enforce compliance with broadcasting regulations, even as the specific list of affected media houses was not initially released.
Reports from various media outlets have corroborated the NCA’s actions, confirming that a total of 62 FM radio stations have been ordered off air due to their failure to adhere to established broadcasting regulations. The enforcement action, announced on Wednesday, June 12, 2025, includes Wontumi FM’s outlets in Takoradi, indicating the broad reach of this regulatory crackdown.
The NCA’s statement meticulously detailed the nature of the infractions leading to these closures. A substantial number of stations, specifically 28, were found to be operating with expired authorizations. This group had, in some cases, reportedly received prior orders to cease broadcasting in 2024 but continued to defy these directives, operating illegally.
Furthermore, 14 FM stations faced notices of revocation because they had failed to establish operations within two years of receiving their initial authorization. Despite later requesting inspections, various unresolved issues prevented them from completing the process, yet they continued to broadcast, in direct contravention of regulatory timelines.
Another category of affected stations includes 13 broadcasters that were operating under provisional authorization. Although they had paid the required fees, their provisional status indicated that their final authorization was pending, implying they lacked full valid authorization to operate.
The remaining seven stations had paid provisional fees but were still awaiting final authorization due to their non-fulfillment of specific requirements stipulated under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations. These outstanding requirements meant they could not be granted full operational licenses.
The closure of Asaase Radio, a prominent station, was notably confirmed by Gabby Otchere-Asare Otchere-Darko, a prominent figure in the New Patriotic Party and reportedly the Chairman of Asaase Broadcasting Company. His confirmation underscores the impact of the NCA’s directive across the political spectrum. This mass shutdown emphasizes the government’s commitment to sanitizing the airwaves and ensuring that all broadcasting entities operate within the confines of the law, regardless of their affiliations.
The move is expected to pave the way for a more compliant and orderly broadcasting sector, although it has raised concerns about media pluralism and freedom of expression, especially given the political leanings of some of the affected stations. President John Dramani Mahama has since intervened, directing the immediate restoration of broadcast services to the affected stations while emphasizing the need for regulatory compliance to be balanced with the protection of press freedom.
