The National Communications Authority (NCA) of Ghana initiated a comprehensive regulatory crackdown on June 12, 2025, ordering the immediate suspension of operations for a significant number of FM broadcasting stations across the country. This enforcement action stems from persistent and serious breaches of regulatory requirements, with 62 stations being affected in the first phase of this directive. Notable stations impacted include Accra-based Asaase Radio, Happy FM, and Wontumi FM.

The NCA's decision is firmly rooted in infractions under Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), alongside non-compliance with the general conditions of FM broadcasting authorisations. This sweeping measure follows a direct instruction from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, who mandated the NCA to act on findings from a recent audit. The audit's primary goal was to ensure full compliance within Ghana’s broadcasting sector, revealing widespread non-adherence to established laws and regulations.

Among the stations affected, Asaase Radio 99.5, which was set to celebrate its 5th anniversary, confirmed its shutdown due to a delayed license renewal. According to its founder, Mr. Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, the station's license was due for renewal in October 2024 but was only processed in December 2024, falling into the category of stations operating with expired authorizations.

The NCA's audit identified four main categories of violations leading to these suspensions:

1. Twenty-eight (28) FM stations were found to be operating with expired authorisations. Some of these had previously received orders in 2024 to cease broadcasting but continued operations, directly violating Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
2. Fourteen (14) FM stations had obtained authorisation but failed to establish operations within two years, thereby breaching regulatory timelines. Despite requesting inspections, various lapses stalled the process, yet these stations continued to broadcast, contravening Regulation 54.
3. Thirteen (13) stations with provisional authorisations had not settled the requisite fees in full, thus lacking valid operating licenses. This also breaches Section 2(4) of Act 775.
4. Seven (7) FM stations had paid provisional fees but had not yet received final authorisations due to non-fulfilment of requirements under Regulation 54.

The NCA emphasized that affected stations do not currently hold valid authorisations or certificates of compliance. These entities are explicitly prohibited from resuming broadcasting until all regulatory infractions have been rectified and formal clearance is granted by the Authority. The NCA reiterated its commitment to upholding order and integrity within the broadcasting space, underscoring that while radio stations play a vital role in national development, strict adherence to regulatory requirements and authorisation conditions is imperative. Failure to comply with these directives constitutes a serious breach, carrying severe consequences for their authorisations, potentially leading to permanent revocation of broadcasting rights. The Authority urged all authorised entities to ensure full compliance with operational and licensing obligations to promote an orderly media landscape in Ghana.