NCA suspends Wontumi FM and 6 other stations for regulatory violations

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has officially suspended the broadcasting licences of nine radio stations across Ghana, including three frequencies operated by Wontumi Multimedia, for failing to comply with regulatory requirements.

The regulatory action, announced in an August 12 statement, follows the expiration of a 30-day compliance window granted by the government for stations to regularise their operations. The affected stations were found to be in violation of Ghana's Electronic Communications Regulations (2011, L.I. 1991) governing FM broadcasting.

Non-Compliant Stations Facing Suspension

The NCA's enforcement action categorises the violations into two groups:

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1. Stations That Failed to Take Corrective Action:

• 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)

2. Stations Operating Without Certificates of Compliance:

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• Wontumi Multimedia (95.9 FM, Accra)

• Wontumi Multimedia (101.3 FM, Kumasi)

• Wontumi Multimedia (101.3 FM, Takoradi)

The Authority noted that while many stations rectified their deficiencies during the grace period, these nine either completely disregarded the compliance process or failed to resolve critical infractions – including unauthorised frequency usage and improper transmitter locations.

Regulatory Framework Enforcement

The suspensions specifically reference violations of:

• Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, which mandates valid Certificates of Compliance

• STL (Studio-to-Transmitter Link) frequency authorisation requirements

• Approved transmitter site regulations

"The NCA remains committed to ensuring all broadcasters adhere to licensing conditions and operating standards that maintain industry integrity," the statement emphasised. The Authority warned of continued monitoring and potential further sanctions against non-compliant operators.

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Full Statement

This enforcement action underscores Ghana's tightening of broadcast media regulations, particularly regarding spectrum management and licensing compliance.

Stations seeking reinstatement must now complete full regularisation processes with the NCA before resuming operations.

Industry Impact: The suspension of multiple stations simultaneously represents one of the NCA's most significant enforcement actions in recent years, signalling stricter adherence to broadcasting standards nationwide.