NCA shuts down another radio stations in Sunyani

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has again closed down Sunyani-based two radio stations namely Space FM and Ark FM in an exercise it began last Thursday.

The Sunyani-based radio stations with the frequency 87.7 and 107.1 is the latest media outlet to join Radio Gold and Radio XYZ both in Accra.

The NCA in an earlier statement explained that following the FM Spectrum Audit in 2017, some stations were found to be in default and were fined by the Authority. However, some of the stations in default were not satisfied and proceeded to the various courts; Electronic Communications Tribunal (ECT) and the High Court to appeal against the NCA’s decision.

“To this end, and in line with Regulations 65 (1) of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L. I. 1991, which states that “A person shall not use a radio frequency without authorisation from the Authority” the National Communications Authority (NCA) is enforcing the shutdown of FM radio stations that are operating without authorisation,” the statement said.

Although the NCA has said the exercise will be conducted throughout the country without restriction to ensure that all FM stations in the country meet the laid down licensing rules, it has been accused of acting in bad faith.

The NCA came under attack last week after shutting down Radio XYZ and Radio Gold, both pro-opposition FM stations over issues concerning their licenses.

Both stations claimed that they had been making efforts to get their licenses renewed but the NCA failed to attend to them.

Meanwhile according to National Communications Authority (NCA), 31 radio stations will be shut down in the next four weeks for operating without authorisation.