NCA Clamps Down: Wontumi TV and Asaase Radio Ordered Off Air Over Regulatory Breaches
HENRY GERCHI
JHNews || Accra, Ghana
The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered Wontumi TV and Asaase Radio along with approximately 60 other FM broadcasting stations to immediately suspend operations following a series of regulatory violations uncovered during a nationwide audit.
The decision, which has sent ripples through Ghana’s media landscape, stems from what the NCA describes as “persistent violations of regulatory requirements,” specifically breaches of Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the conditions attached to FM broadcasting authorisations.
The enforcement action follows a ministerial directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, urging the NCA to apply sanctions outlined in the Frequency Audit Report, which forms part of the Authority’s ongoing effort to bring order to the broadcasting sector.
The Breakdown of Infractions
The NCA’s press release categorised the violations into four key groups:
- Stations Operating with Expired Authorisations:
Wontumi TV and Asaase Radio are reportedly among 28 stations still broadcasting despite being directed to cease operations in 2024. This act constitutes a violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). - Stations Failing to Commence Setup Within Two Years:
Fourteen stations received Notices of Revocation due to their failure to begin operations within two years of receiving their authorisations. Despite requesting inspections, many are still broadcasting without completing mandatory compliance steps in violation of Regulation 54. - Stations with Unpaid Provisional Authorisation Fees:
Thirteen stations including several high-profile outlets had been issued provisional authorisations but failed to fully settle the required fees, and thus lack valid legal standing to operate. - Pending Final Authorisation Despite Fee Payment:
Seven stations paid their provisional authorisation fees but have yet to complete final compliance steps required under Regulation 54. These stations also face temporary suspension until full rectification.
In total, approximately 62 stations have been affected by the first phase of this crackdown.
Wontumi TV and Asaase Radio in the Spotlight
While the NCA did not publicly list all affected stations in its release, industry sources confirm that both Wontumi TV and Asaase Radio fall under the first category continuing to operate on expired authorisations despite formal directives to halt broadcasting last year.
This revelation has sparked widespread reactions, especially given the influential role both stations play in Ghana’s political and media spheres. Wontumi TV, known for its political commentary, and Asaase Radio, once lauded for its balanced journalism, now find themselves on the wrong side of regulatory enforcement.
What Happens Next?
According to the NCA, all affected stations must halt operations immediately and may only resume once all infractions have been fully addressed and validated by the Authority. The NCA emphasized that failure to comply with this directive constitutes a direct affront to national broadcasting laws and may attract more severe penalties, including permanent revocation of licenses.
In a statement, the NCA reiterated: “While the NCA acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development, it is imperative that all Authorisation Holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their Authorisations.”
Media Freedom vs Regulatory Order
The shutdown has reignited the ongoing conversation around the balance between media freedom and lawful regulation. Some civil society organisations have expressed concerns about potential overreach, while others have applauded the NCA for taking bold steps to sanitise the broadcasting space.
Legal representatives of some affected stations are expected to contest the decision in court, citing due process and potential political interference.
Stay with JHNews Online as we continue to follow this developing story.
