Sixty-four radio stations whose frequencies have been terminated by the National Communications Authority (NCA), are back on air after a presidential intervention.
The NCA, in a statement dated June 12,2025 ordered the immediate suspension of operations of 64 FM broadcasting stations across the country, including prominent outlets such as Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM, over multiple regulatory breaches.
The enforcement action targets stations found to be operating with expired authorisations, unpaid licence fees, or failure to meet set-up conditions stipulated under the Electronic Communications Act and its accompanying regulations.
But in a swift turn of event, President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovation to work with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately restore the broadcast of the affected stations.
In a statement issued on Thursday June 12, President Mahama emphasised the importance of balancing compliance with the protection of free speech, urging regulators to consider a more accommodating approach.
“The President believes regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom,” stated Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications.
To ensure a smooth transition, President Mahama instructed the Minister to collaborate with the NCA in determining a reasonable timeframe for the affected stations to complete the necessary regularisation processes.
A recent audit by the NCA—backed by a ministerial directive—revealed widespread non-compliance, prompting the crackdown aimed at restoring order and adherence to broadcasting standards.
The affected stations were found to have the following issues:
– Expired Authorizations: 28 stations were operating without valid licenses
– Failure to Set Up Operations: 14 stations didn’t establish operations within two years of authorization
– Provisional Authorization Issues: 13 stations operated under provisional licenses despite paying required fees
– Pending Authorizations: 7 stations had provisional fees paid but final authorization pending due to unmet requirements
The NCA reiterated that all broadcasters must comply fully with licensing obligations to remain operational and assured the public that the authority will continue its monitoring and enforcement efforts.