NCA Shuts Down Asaase Radio, Wontumi FM and 62 Other Stations for Violating Regulatory Requirements

• The NCA has suspended 28 radio stations across Ghana for persistent violations of regulatory requirements, as announced on June 12, 2025
• The suspension follows a directive by the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George
• The NCA emphasised that non-compliance will lead to severe consequences, stressing the importance of adhering to licensing and operational standards

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has directed 52 radio stations across Ghana to immediately suspend operations for allegedly violating its regulatory requirements.

The affected stations include Asaase Radio, owned by Gabby Otchere-Darko, the nephew of Ghana's former President, Akufo-Addo, and Wontumi FM, also owned by Chairman Wontumi.

In a statement issued on Thursday, June 12, 2025, the NCA stated that it had taken the decision to suspend the radio stations due to their persistent violations of regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulation 2011 (LI 1991).

The NCA explained that this action follows a directive by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, to enforce full compliance with licensing and operational requirements within the broadcasting sector.

"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 Authorisation," the NCA said.

"Consequently, failure to comply with the directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM Broadcasting with grave consequences for their Authorisation," portions of the statement read.

Out of the 62 affected stations, 28 were found to be operating with expired authorisations, 14 received authorisation but failed to set up operations within two years, 13 are operating under provisional authorisation, despite having paid the required fees.

Seven stations paid provisional fees, but final authorisation was pending due to non-fulfilment of requirements.

Read the Facebook post below:

Gabby Otchere-Darko confirms Asaase Radio's shutdown

Gabby Otchere-Darko, the founder of Asaase Radio, confirmed the shutdown of his media firm in a post on X.

He said the General Manager of Asaase Radio informed him that the shutdown was due to the station's delayed renewal of its licence.

Mr Otchere-Darko explained that the licence was supposed to be renewed by October 2024, but it was only renewed in December 2024, resulting in the station’s licence being revoked.

"Yes, it’s true. Asaase Radio 99.5, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down. The General Manager informs me it’s because the station delayed in renewing its licence last year. It was to be renewed by October but only done in December 2024," he wrote.

Read the X post below:

Asaase Radio's shutdown sparks reactions

Ghanaians on social media took to the comment section to share their views on the NCA's shutdown of Asaase Radio.

Below are a few of the comments:

@_Fiifi_Sage said:

"So it's not like the station didn't, but just because it was done late? Did the NPP government do this to pro-NDC stations even when they didn't have money to renew their licenses? We will continue to give time, time."

@1BongoIdeas also said:

"You of all people must know how to do the right thing, especially when you’ve served in a government that went after political opponents' stations. Deal with it. No sympathy here."

@_nursingguy commented:

"You’d assume that NPP communicators, especially social media foot soldiers, would see this post and accept that indeed this closure was about stations that’ve infringed laws. But no, some would still make unnecessary comments about it. Is politics indeed a disease?"

Mahama intervenes in radio stations shutdown

Meanwhile, YEN.com.gh reported earlier that President John Mahama has directed the Minister for Communications to give a grace period to the suspended radio stations.

Mahama directed the minister to liaise with the National Communications Authority to immediately restore the broadcast

The presidency justified the move, saying regulatory compliance needed to be balanced with media freedom.

Proofreading by Samuel Gitonga, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.

Source: YEN.com.gh