Three Wontumi radio stations, Six others suspended

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has ordered the suspension of three radio stations under the Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited, owned by the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, for breaches of broadcasting regulations.

The affected stations — 95.9 FM in Accra, 101.3 FM in Kumasi, and 101.3 FM in Takoradi — were cited for failing to address regulatory breaches, including the unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and operating from unapproved transmitter locations.

The move follows the expiration of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama to allow defaulting stations to rectify violations.

The NCA said Wontumi Multimedia failed to fully comply within the amnesty window, resulting in the suspensions.

The enforcement action was carried out under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), which prohibits operating without a valid Certificate of Compliance.

Six other radio stations across the country were also shut down after refusing or neglecting to take corrective measures during the grace period.

The NCA stressed that it will continue to monitor the broadcasting sector to ensure compliance with licensing conditions and the laws governing FM radio in Ghana.