The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended the licences of nine radio stations across Ghana for various breaches of broadcasting regulations, including three owned by Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.
The decision, outlined in an August 12 statement, comes after the expiry of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama for defaulting stations to rectify regulatory violations.
According to the NCA, six stations “failed, refused and neglected” to take any corrective action during the amnesty period, while three others only partially addressed violations, leaving unresolved issues such as unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and the operation of transmitters at unapproved locations.
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The regulator further noted that all nine stations were operating without a valid Certificate of Compliance, in breach of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).
The suspended stations include:
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Donplus Multimedia Limited (Ho, 105.9)
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Dreams Ghana Media Limited (New Abirem, 104.9)
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Jam Multimedia Limited (Kintampo, 101.3)
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Jewel Group Limited (Duayaw Nkwanta, 102.7)
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Kandai Star Community Radio (Kpandai, 107.3)
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Unique Gateway Communication Limited
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Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited — Accra (95.9), Kumasi (101.3) and Takoradi (101.3)
Reaffirming its commitment to upholding broadcasting standards, the NCA stated: “The NCA will continue to monitor the broadcasting space to ensure compliance with the relevant authorisation conditions and the laws and regulations.”
Story By: Afia Ohenewaa Akyerem