The National Communications Authority (NCA) has taken decisive action against 62 radio stations across the country, ordering their immediate closure for breaching broadcasting regulations.
Well-known stations such as Asaase Radio and Happy FM are among those affected. The crackdown stems from a range of infractions, including operating without proper authorisation, failing to renew expired licences, broadcasting beyond approved signal limits, and defaulting on licensing payments.
The NCA has already begun implementing the sanctions, signaling a firm resolve to enforce regulatory compliance and restore order in the broadcasting space.
A total of 28 of the shut-down stations had continued to transmit content despite their authorisations having lapsed—some for as long as a year—directly contravening Regulation 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008. These stations had previously been directed to stop broadcasting in 2024 but ignored the order.
In a separate category, 14 stations that had received initial clearance failed to establish operations within the two-year window required by law. Although they later requested inspections, unresolved compliance issues have stalled the process. Despite this, many remain on air in violation of Regulation 54 of the 2011 Communications Regulations.
Another group of 13 stations had applied for continued operation and were granted provisional approval but never completed the payment of required fees. Consequently, their authorisations remain invalid.
Meanwhile, seven stations have made partial payments toward their provisional licences but have yet to receive final clearance. These stations also fall short of meeting the regulatory criteria under Regulation 54.
In summary, all 62 stations have been deemed non-compliant and are not authorised to operate. They will only be permitted to resume broadcasting once they have fully rectified the outstanding regulatory breaches.
Read full statement below:
NCA Orders Defaulting FM Broadcasting Stations to Suspend Operations
June 12, 2025 -The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed non-compliant FM Broadcasting Stations to immediately suspend operations on their respective frequencies for various infractions. The enforcement action has become necessary due to persistent violations of regulatory requirements, specifically Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Conditions of their FM Broadcasting Authorisations.
This action follows a directive issued by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, mandating the NCA to enforce applicable sanctions on stations found to be in violation of the regulations in the recent audit conducted by the NCA to ensure full compliance with licensing and operational requirements in the broadcasting sector.
Following this directive, the NCA has commenced enforcement of regulatory sanctions against defaulting entities identified in the Frequency Audit Report in phases. The categorisation of infractions under the first phase is as follows:
Twenty-Eight (28) stations operating with expired Authorisations. Some of these stations were ordered by the NCA in 2024 to cease broadcasting but have persisted in the illegality. This represents violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Fourteen (14) FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failure to setup within two (2) years from the date of their Authorisations but subsequently requested for inspection but the process has not been completed due to various lapses they have to rectify but are still on air. These stations are in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991.
Thirteen (13) FM stations that applied for Authorisation to continue operating and have been issued Provisional Authorisation but not have settled the Provisional Authorisation fees in full and hence, do not have the valid Authorisation to continue operating. This represents violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).
Seven (7) FM stations that have paid provisional authorisation fees but final Authorisation yet to be issued and have not fulfilled the requirements of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991.
A total of approximately sixty-two (62) stations have been affected. These stations currently do not hold valid broadcasting Authorisations or do not have a Certificate of Compliance to commence operations and may only resume operations once all regulatory infractions have been addressed and rectified.
While the NCA acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development, it is imperative that all Authorisation Holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their Authorisations. Consequently, failure to comply with this directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM Broadcasting with grave consequences for their Authorisations.
We wish to assure the general public that the NCA remains dedicated to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector. We urge all Authorisation Holders to fully comply with regulatory requirements to help promote an orderly industry.
