The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended nine radio stations across Ghana for regulatory breaches, including three operated by Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited, owned by NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.
The nationwide enforcement followed the expiration of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama for defaulting stations to remedy violations.
According to the NCA, six stations, Donplus Multimedia Limited (105.9 FM, Ho), Dreams Ghana Media Limited (104.9 FM, New Abirem), Jam Multimedia Limited (101.3 FM, Kintampo), Jewel Group Limited (102.7 FM, Duayaw Nkwanta), Kpandai Star Community Radio (107.3 FM, Kpandai), and Unique Gateway Communication Limited (105.7 FM, Nkawkaw) — failed to comply with the amnesty terms and were taken off air.
The three Wontumi Multimedia stations, 95.9 FM (Accra), 101.3 FM (Kumasi), and 101.3 FM (Takoradi) were cited for unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and operating from unapproved transmitter sites.
The NCA said the suspensions were enforced under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), which prohibits broadcasting without a valid Certificate of Compliance.
The Authority stressed it will maintain strict oversight of the broadcasting sector to ensure compliance with licensing conditions and the laws governing FM radio in Ghana.
Source: Myxyzonline.com
