ADVERTISEMENT

NCA shuts down Okay FM and Hello FM

Okay FM and Hello FM were among the 131 stations that were cited as having violated the Section 13 of the Electronics Communications Act (2009).

According to Citi FM, the radio stations had defaulted in making payments for license fees and were said to have been operating illegally according to a statement from the NCA in September 2017.

The 30 day-window given to the stations to respond to the notice has elapsed.

Their managers have however disclosed to Citi News they are working to get back on air.

ADVERTISEMENT

34 of the sanctioned stations had their licenses revoked because their authorizations had expired, and were operating illegally, whilst the others picked up over GHc1 billion in fines.

Radio Gold and Atlantis Radio picked up the heftiest fines of GHc 61,330,000 and GHc 60,350,000 respectively.

Some analysts have been criticized the sanctions as being too harsh, with critics claiming that it amounted to an attempt to monetizing freedom of expression.

The National Democratic Congress minority in Parliament, for instance, have cited the potential job losses that would result from the possible shutdowns of sanctioned stations.

ADVERTISEMENT

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), had served notice it was going to rally to the defense of the sanctioned stations, but they are yet to take any concrete decisions in this regard.

JOIN OUR PULSE COMMUNITY!

Unblock notifications in browser settings.
ADVERTISEMENT

Eyewitness? Submit your stories now via social or:

Email: eyewitness@pulse.com.gh

ADVERTISEMENT