The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed scores of FM broadcasting stations across the country to immediately suspend operations over what it describes as persistent and serious breaches of regulatory requirements.

They include Happy FM, Asaase Radio, and Wontumi FM, all based in Accra.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, June 12, the NCA said the enforcement action targets stations that have failed to comply with key provisions of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), specifically Regulations 54 and 56, as well as the terms and conditions attached to their broadcasting authorisations.

The crackdown follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, instructing the NCA to apply appropriate sanctions after a recent audit revealed widespread non-compliance within the FM broadcasting sector.

According to the NCA, the enforcement is being rolled out in phases, beginning with stations identified in the Frequency Audit Report. The infractions identified in the first phase include:

1. Twenty-eight (28) FM stations operating with expired authorisations, despite prior orders issued in 2024 to cease broadcasting. These stations remain on air in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
2. Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failing to commence operations within two years of receiving authorisation. Although they have since requested inspections, various lapses have stalled the process — yet these stations continue to broadcast, contravening Regulation 54.
3. Thirteen (13) FM stations with Provisional Authorisations who have not settled the requisite fees in full, and therefore lack valid authorisations to operate. This again breaches Section 2(4) of Act 775.
4. Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional fees but have not yet been issued final authorisations due to non-fulfilment of Regulation 54 requirements.

In total, sixty-two (62) stations have been affected. The NCA clarified that these entities do not currently hold valid authorisations or certificates of compliance, and must rectify all outstanding infractions before they can resume operations.

While acknowledging the vital role FM stations play in national discourse and development, the NCA underscored the importance of regulatory compliance.

“Failure to comply with this directive constitutes a serious breach of the conditions governing FM broadcasting and may lead to severe consequences regarding their authorisations,” the Authority warned.

The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding order and integrity within the broadcasting space and urged all authorised entities to ensure full compliance with operational and licensing obligations.