Wontumi radio stations, eight others suspended 

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended the operations of nine radio stations across Ghana for breaching broadcasting regulations. It includes three owned by Ashanti Regional New Patriotic Party (NPP) Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi.

In a statement dated August 12, the NCA said the action followed the expiration of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama to defaulting stations to rectify various violations.

“Six stations failed, refused and neglected to comply with the regulatory amnesty by taking no action,” the Authority stated.

The NCA explained that while some non-compliant broadcasters took corrective steps during the amnesty, others failed to address outstanding breaches such as the unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and the operation of transmitters from unapproved locations.

It further noted that the affected stations were operating without a valid Certificate of Compliance, in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).

“Consequently, the operations of the following stations have been suspended,” the statement declared.

The stations are Donplus Multimedia Limited in Ho (105.9), Dreams Ghana Media Limited in New Abirem (104.9), Jam Multimedia Limited in Kintampo (101.3), Jewel Group Limited in Duayaw Nkwanta (102.7), Kandai Star Community Radio in Kpandai (107.3), Unique Gateway Communication Limited, and Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited’s outlets in Accra (95.9), Kumasi (101.3) and Takoradi (101.3).

Reaffirming its position, the NCA stated: “The NCA will continue to monitor the broadcasting space to ensure compliance with the relevant authorisation conditions and the laws and regulations.”