Founder of Asaase Radio reveals why Asaase Radio has been shut down

The Founder of Asaase Radio, Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko, has confirmed that the Accra-based radio station has been shut down by the National Communications Authority (NCA) due to delayed license renewal.

“Yes, it’s true. Asaase Radio 99.5, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down,” Mr Otchere-Darko posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Wednesday, June 12. “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.”

The closure comes as part of a wider regulatory crackdown by the NCA, which has directed a number of non-compliant FM broadcasting stations to immediately cease operations on their respective frequencies for what it describes as “persistent violations” of regulatory requirements.

According to an official statement from the NCA issued on June 12, the action is based on infractions under Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), and the conditions of FM broadcasting authorisations.

The enforcement follows a directive from the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, mandating the NCA to act on findings from a recent audit intended to ensure full compliance in Ghana’s broadcasting sector.

The audit identified several categories of violations. These include:

Twenty-eight stations operating with expired authorisations, some of which had been ordered to cease broadcasting in 2024 but continued operations, in violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775).

Fourteen FM stations that failed to establish operations within two years of being authorised but remained on air despite pending inspections.

Thirteen stations with provisional authorisations who have not paid the required fees and therefore lack valid operating licences.

Seven FM stations that have paid provisional fees but have not yet received final authorisations due to unmet requirements.

Asaase Radio falls within the category of stations operating with expired licences. The NCA’s statement emphasised that stations affected may only resume broadcasting once they have rectified all regulatory infractions and received formal clearance.

“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,” the statement warned.

It added, “Failure to comply with this directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM Broadcasting with grave consequences for their Authorisations.”

A total of approximately sixty-two stations have been affected in the first phase of enforcement. The NCA reiterated its commitment to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector and urged all operators to comply with regulations to promote an orderly media landscape.