64 Radio Stations shut down by the National Communications Authority have been granted reprieve by the President of Ghana, who has intervened on their behalf.
The President believes that regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom.
The President, therefore, directed the Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation Ministry to liaise with the NCA to restore the various stations.
The President further asked the NCA and the Minister to work on a reasonable timeframe within which the affected stations should regularize their authorization.
The National Communications Authority had earlier announced the closure of 64 Radio Stations across the country.
According to the NCA, the enforcement is being rolled out in phases, beginning with stations identified in the Frequency Audit Report. The infractions identified in the first phase include:
Twenty-eight (28) FM stations operating with expired authorisations, despite prior orders issued in 2024 to cease broadcasting. These stations remain on air in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failing to commence operations within two years of receiving authorisation. Although they have since requested inspections, various lapses have stalled the process — yet these stations continue to broadcast, contravening Regulation 54.
Thirteen (13) FM stations with Provisional Authorisations who have not settled the requisite fees in full, and therefore lack valid authorisations to operate. This again breaches Section 2(4) of Act 775.
Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional fees but have not yet been issued final authorisations due to non-fulfilment of Regulation 54 requirements.
