The National Communications Authority (NCA) has formally suspended the licences of nine FM radio stations across Ghana after the expiration of a 30-day amnesty period granted by His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama. The grace period, intended to allow defaulting stations to rectify regulatory breaches, expired on 12 August 2025 without full compliance from several outlets.
Background: June Mass Shutdown and Presidential Intervention
The action follows an earlier sweeping enforcement in June 2025, during which the NCA ordered 62–64 FM stations to cease operations due to various infractions—ranging from expired licences and unpaid fees to failure to meet authorisation conditions.
Notably, President Mahama intervened. In mid-June, acting on advice that the abrupt ban could undermine media freedom, he directed that the broadcasts of over 60 affected stations be restored temporarily, allowing them time to regularise their licensing.
Recent Suspensions: Details at a Glance
Despite the extended deadline, six stations made no attempt to comply, resulting in immediate suspension. Additionally, three stations under a corrective amnesty remedied some but not all breaches—violations such as unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and unapproved transmitter locations, contrary to Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991)—and were therefore also suspended.
Suspended Stations
| No. | Company / Media House | Frequency | Location | Reason for Suspension |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Donplus Multimedia Limited | 105.9 | Ho | No action taken during amnesty period |
| 2 | Dreams Ghana Media Limited | 104.9 | New Abirem | No action taken during amnesty period |
| 3 | Jam Multimedia Limited | 101.3 | Kintampo | No action taken during amnesty period |
| 4 | Jewel Group Limited | 102.7 | Duayaw Nkwanta | No action taken during amnesty period |
| 5 | Kpandai Star Community Radio | 107.3 | Kpandai | No action taken during amnesty period |
| 6 | Unique Gateway Communication Limited | 105.7 | Nkawkaw | No action taken during amnesty period |
| 7 | Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited | 95.9 | Accra | Unauthorised STL / transmitter location (Reg. 54 breach) |
| 8 | Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited | 101.3 | Kumasi | Unauthorised STL / transmitter location (Reg. 54 breach) |
| 9 | Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited | 101.3 | Takoradi | Unauthorised STL / transmitter location (Reg. 54 breach) |
Ongoing Oversight and Broader Regulatory Action
The NCA has reiterated its commitment to robust oversight, vowing continued enforcement of Ghana’s broadcasting regulations to safeguard the integrity of the airwaves.
Additionally, in a related development just this week, the NCA notified MultiChoice Ghana—operator of DStv—of its intention to suspend its satellite TV authorisation. The move, based on concerns over pricing deemed inimical to the public interest, grants the company 30 days to respond.