The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed non-compliant FM broadcasting stations to immediately suspend operations on their respective frequencies due to various infractions.
The NCA clarified that the enforcement action has become necessary due to persistent violations of regulatory requirements, specifically Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), and the conditions of their FM broadcasting authorisations.
According to the NCA, the action follows a directive issued by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George.
The directive mandated the NCA to enforce applicable sanctions on stations found to be in violation of the regulations during a recent audit conducted to ensure full compliance with licensing and operational requirements in the broadcasting sector.
“Following this directive, the NCA has commenced enforcement of regulatory sanctions against defaulting entities identified in the Frequency Audit Report in phases.
“Twenty-Eight (28) stations operating with expired Authorisations. Some of these stations were ordered by the NCA in 2024 to cease broadcasting but have persisted in the illegality. This represents violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
“Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failure to setup within two (2) years from the date of their Authorisations but subsequently requested for inspection but the process has not been completed due to various lapses they have to rectify but are still on air. These stations are in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991.”
“Thirteen (13) FM stations that applied for Authorisation to continue operating and have been issued Provisional Authorisation but have not settled the Provisional Authorisation fees in full and hence, do not have the valid Authorisation to continue operating. This represents violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
“Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional authorisation fees but final Authorisation yet to be issued and have not fulfilled the requirements of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991,” these defaulting media houses [name withheld] form part of the categorisation of infractions under the first phase.
Amid these developments, the NCA stated that a total of approximately sixty-two (62) stations have been affected.
“These stations currently do not hold valid broadcasting Authorisations or do not have a Certificate of Compliance to commence operations and may only resume operations once all regulatory infractions have been addressed and rectified.”
While the NCA acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development, it said it is imperative that all authorisation holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their authorisations.
“Consequently, failure to comply with this directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM Broadcasting with grave consequences for their Authorisations,” the statement added.
The NCA assures the general public of its dedication to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector and urges authorisation holders to fully comply with regulatory requirements to help promote an orderly industry.
