NCA suspends 3 Wontumi radio stations, 6 others

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended three radio stations belonging to Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited, owned by Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

This action was taken due to several breaches of broadcasting regulations.

The stations affected, 95.9 FM in Accra, 101.3 FM in Kumasi, and 101.3 FM in Takoradi, faced issues including unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and operating from locations that had not received approval.

This decision comes after President John Dramani Mahama had previously granted a 30-day grace period for stations to correct any violations.

According to the NCA, Wontumi Multimedia failed to meet the compliance requirements within that time, leading to the suspension.

The enforcement was carried out in accordance with Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), which forbids operations without a valid Certificate of Compliance.

Additionally, six other radio stations across the nation have also faced shutdowns for not taking the necessary corrective actions during the grace period.

The NCA further stated its commitment to ongoing monitoring of the broadcasting industry to ensure that all operators adhere to licensing conditions and the legal framework governing FM radio in Ghana.

Find the full statement below.