In a significant enforcement action, the National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed 62 FM broadcasting stations to immediately suspend operations due to various infractions. The move comes after a recent audit conducted by the NCA, which identified widespread non-compliance with regulatory requirements.
The Crackdown
The NCA’s enforcement action targets stations found guilty of infractions ranging from expired authorizations to unpaid licence fees and failure to meet mandatory set-up conditions. The regulator’s directive is based on Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Conditions of their FM Broadcasting Authorisations.
Notable Casualties
Two prominent stations, Asaase Radio and Wontumi FM, have been silenced as a result of the crackdown. Asaase Radio, backed by influential lawyer and businessman Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, had been preparing to celebrate its fifth anniversary. The station’s transmission ceased entirely due to a delayed licence renewal.
Industry-Wide Implications.
The NCA’s action represents the most comprehensive crackdown on broadcasting infractions since 2019, when 57 FM stations were shut down. The regulator’s determination to restore order to the broadcasting sector is evident, and the industry is expected to take note.
NCA’s Stance
The NCA has emphasized the importance of compliance with regulatory requirements, stating that failure to adhere to the directives will result in grave consequences for authorizations. The regulator remains committed to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector and promoting an orderly industry.
A Pattern of Non-Compliance
The current enforcement action bears uncomfortable parallels to the 2019 crackdown, which sparked fierce political controversy. The NCA’s latest move suggests that the lessons of 2019 were not fully absorbed by the industry, and the regulator is determined to address the issue.
The Way Forward
As Ghana’s media landscape adjusts to the new reality, it is essential for broadcasters to prioritize compliance with regulatory requirements. The NCA’s enforcement action serves as a reminder that neither political connections nor commercial prominence can shield broadcasters from the long arm of regulatory justice. #