The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended the operations of nine radio stations across Ghana for a range of regulatory breaches, including three stations owned by Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.
The action, announced in a statement dated August 12, follows the expiration of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama to defaulting stations to address violations of broadcasting regulations. The grace period, which served as a regulatory amnesty, offered non-compliant broadcasters a final opportunity to rectify outstanding breaches and continue operating legally.
However, according to the NCA, six stations “failed, refused and neglected to comply with the regulatory amnesty by taking no action” to resolve their violations. While some defaulting stations took steps to address issues during the amnesty period, three others remained partially non-compliant, failing to resolve critical breaches such as the unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and the operation of transmitter facilities at unapproved locations.
The regulator emphasised that these infractions also involved operating without a valid Certificate of Compliance, a direct breach of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991). This regulation requires broadcasters to possess up-to-date certification to legally operate within Ghana’s communications and broadcasting framework.
The suspended stations include:
- Donplus Multimedia Limited (Ho, 105.9 MHz)
- Dreams Ghana Media Limited (New Abirem, 104.9 MHz)
- Jam Multimedia Limited (Kintampo, 101.3 MHz)
- Jewel Group Limited (Duayaw Nkwanta, 102.7 MHz)
- Kandai Star Community Radio (Kpandai, 107.3 MHz)
- Unique Gateway Communication Limited
- Three outlets of Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited — in Accra (95.9 MHz), Kumasi (101.3 MHz), and Takoradi (101.3 MHz).
The NCA reiterated its commitment to ensuring order and integrity within Ghana’s media landscape, warning that the suspension is part of an ongoing effort to enforce compliance with broadcasting laws and prevent unauthorised operations.
“The NCA will continue to monitor the broadcasting space to ensure compliance with the relevant authorisation conditions and the laws and regulations,” the statement concluded.
This latest enforcement move underscores the regulator’s resolve to apply sanctions where necessary, regardless of political affiliation or ownership profile. It also serves as a reminder to broadcasters of the importance of adhering strictly to licensing requirements, technical specifications, and authorised frequency allocations.
The suspension of these stations is expected to send a strong signal to other operators who may be flouting the rules. For listeners, it may mean temporary disruptions in service from affected outlets, while for the industry, it reinforces the NCA’s role as a watchdog committed to protecting the credibility and stability of Ghana’s broadcasting sector.
