The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered the suspension of three radio stations owned by Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited, affiliated with Bernard Antwi Boasiako, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), popularly known as Chairman Wontumi. The stations affected are 95.9 FM in Accra, 101.3 FM in Kumasi, and 101.3 FM in Takoradi, all suspended for breaches of broadcasting regulations including unauthorized use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and operating from unapproved transmitter locations.
This enforcement follows the expiration of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama to allow defaulting stations to rectify violations. Wontumi Multimedia failed to fully comply within this amnesty, prompting their suspension under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), which prohibits broadcasting without a valid Certificate of Compliance.
The NCA’s crackdown is part of a broader regulatory enforcement where over 60 radio stations nationwide, including major outlets like Asaase Radio, were shut down for various infractions. Among the 62 stations closed, 28 had expired authorizations without renewal, 14 had failed to commence operations within two years despite authorization, and 13 operated under provisional authorization without completing the necessary compliance steps. Seven others had paid provisional fees but awaited final approval after inspections.
President Mahama later intervened, directing the Communications Ministry to collaborate with the NCA to restore the operation of affected media houses while ensuring they meet regulatory requirements within a reasonable timeframe. The President emphasized balancing regulatory compliance with the protection of media freedom.
The NCA has reiterated its commitment to uphold broadcasting standards and will continue to monitor the FM radio sector to ensure strict compliance with licensing conditions and Ghana’s broadcasting laws. This move aims to address lawlessness and regulatory breaches in the sector, reinvigorating a fair, modern, and technologically advanced broadcasting environment in Ghana.
The suspension of Wontumi Multimedia stations marks a significant enforcement step given the owner’s political prominence and reflects broader efforts to enforce compliance across the media industry in Ghana.
