August 12, 2025 - The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended the operations of nine radio stations across Ghana for breaching broadcasting regulations. Among the affected are three stations owned by Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Wontumi, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

The decision, announced in an official statement dated August 12, follows the expiration of a 30-day regulatory amnesty granted by former President John Dramani Mahama. The amnesty gave non-compliant broadcasters a window to rectify violations, but according to the NCA, six stations "failed, refused and neglected" to take any corrective action.

While several defaulting stations used the grace period to address their infractions, three others were found to have continued operations despite unresolved breaches. These included the unauthorized use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and the use of unapproved transmitter locations. STLs are essential to radio operations, serving as the critical connection that transmits audio from the studio to the broadcast transmitter—often situated in optimal signal locations.

In addition to the STL issues, the NCA noted that the suspended stations were operating without a valid Certificate of Compliance, which is a requirement under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).

“Consequently, the operations of the following stations have been suspended,” the NCA announced.

The suspended stations include:

• Donplus Multimedia Limited (Ho, 105.9 FM)

• Dreams Ghana Media Limited (New Abirem, 104.9 FM)

• Jam Multimedia Limited (Kintampo, 101.3 FM)

• Jewel Group Limited (Duayaw Nkwanta, 102.7 FM)

• Kandai Star Community Radio (Kpandai, 107.3 FM)

• Unique Gateway Communication Limited

• Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited (Accra 95.9 FM, Kumasi 101.3 FM, Takoradi 101.3 FM)

The NCA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding Ghana’s broadcasting laws and emphasized that regulatory compliance is essential for maintaining order and integrity in the country’s media space. 

According to the regulator, while many non-compliant stations took steps during the amnesty period to correct their violations, three others failed to address specific infractions. These included the unauthorized use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and the operation of transmitters at unapproved locations. Although STL systems are fundamental to broadcasting—transmitting audio or video signals from the studio to a separate transmission site optimized for signal reach—their use must still comply with regulatory standards. Without these links, a station cannot effectively broadcast, but their operation must be properly licensed and approved by the NCA.