The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended the operations of nine radio stations across Ghana, including three from Wontumi Multimedia, following the expiry of a 30-day amnesty period granted by President John Dramani Mahama for non-compliant broadcasters.
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Background: Grace Period Granted—Compliance Required
In mid-June 2025, President Mahama responded to a sweeping regulatory audit by the NCA by granting multiple defaulting radio stations a 30-day grace period to rectify licensing and regulatory violations. The move aimed to help media outlets regain legal operating status without financial penalties, provided they complied within the deadline.
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The original July 12 deadline came and went. Despite efforts by several stations to fix their issues, nine did not. These included three Wontumi Multimedia stations and six community and regional stations, all of which have now been suspended pending compliance.
Wontumi Stations Among Those Shut Down
The three Wontumi stations—95.9 FM (Accra), 101.3 FM (Kumasi), and 101.3 FM (Takoradi)—have been specifically cited for operating without Certificates of Compliance, breaching Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations (L.I. 1991). Additional violations noted include unauthorized use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and operating from unapproved transmitter locations.
Other Affected Outlets
Six additional broadcasters were suspended for failing to act within the amnesty window:
- Donplus Multimedia Limited – 105.9 FM (Ho)
- Dreams Ghana Media Limited – 104.9 FM (New Abirem)
- Jam Multimedia Limited – 101.3 FM (Kintampo)
- Jewel Group Limited – 102.7 FM (Duayaw Nkwanta)
- Kpandai Star Community Radio – 107.3 FM (Kpandai)
- Unique Gateway Communication Limited – 105.7 FM (Nkawkaw)
These stations took no action to correct regulatory breaches and were consequently taken off the air.
NCA’s Statement: Accountability Over Punishment
In its official communication, the NCA emphasized that the measure was not intended as punishment but as an enforcement of regulatory accountability and order within Ghana’s broadcasting landscape.
“Our aim is not punishment, but accountability, order, and responsible stewardship of a critical public resource,” said the Authority.
Why This Matters: Ensuring Media Compliance and Credibility
This decisive action by the NCA serves multiple functions:
- Upholding regulatory standards
- Maintaining public trust in media
- Ensuring that only legally-compliant entities broadcast to the public
With Ghana’s media landscape playing a vital role in democracy, free and fair airwaves depend on broadcasters adhering to established legal frameworks and operating protocols.
What Comes Next? Compliance or Permanent Closure
The future now hinges on whether the suspended stations take swift corrective measures, such as obtaining valid Certificates of Compliance, relocating transmitters, and adjusting frequencies as required. If they fail to comply, the NCA may move to permanently revoke their licenses and open their frequencies to compliant operators.
Public Reaction: Balancing Accountability with Media Access
Public sentiment is divided. Media analysts and citizens who champion professional conduct in broadcasting support the NCA’s enforcement. However, some commentators worry that the shutdown of regional outlets may restrict local news and reduce community-level coverage.
That said, many advocate for reform rather than retribution, urging local stations to modernize infrastructure, seek proper regulatory guidance, and prioritize legal compliance.
Summary Table: What You Need to Know
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Authority | National Communications Authority (NCA) |
| Grace Period | 30 days granted by President Mahama |
| Date of Suspension | August 12, 2025 |
| Number of Stations Suspended | 9 |
| Wontumi Stations Affected | Accra (95.9 FM), Kumasi (101.3 FM), Takoradi (101.3 FM) |
| Other Stations Affected | Ho, New Abirem, Kintampo, Duayaw Nkwanta, Kpandai, Nkawkaw |
| Main Violations | No Certificate of Compliance, unauthorized STL use, unapproved transmitter locations |
The suspension of nine radio stations for regulatory violations—three of them major Wontumi Multimedia outlets—marks a significant enforcement milestone by Ghana’s communications regulator. While the move underscores a firm stance on broadcasting compliance, it also raises the stakes for media houses nationwide to meet legal standards or face further sanctions. As Ghana’s media ecosystem navigates this wake-up call, the broader lesson is clear: ethical, lawful operation is non-negotiable for trusted public service broadcasting.
