Ghana’s communications regulator on Tuesday ordered the suspension of nine radio stations, including those belonging to the country’s main opposition, over breaches of broadcasting regulations.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) said the move followed the expiry of a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama for defaulting stations to address violations of laws governing FM broadcasting.

“Six stations failed, refused, and neglected to comply with the regulatory amnesty by taking no action,” the NCA stated.

According to the NCA, six of the affected stations — Donplus Multimedia Limited (105.9FM, Ho), Dreams Ghana Media Limited (104.9FM, New Abirem), Jam Multimedia Limited (101.3FM, Kintampo), Jewel Group Limited (102.7FM, Duayaw Nkwanta), Kpandai Star Community Radio (107.3FM, Kpandai), and Unique Gateway Communication Limited (105.7FM, Nkawkaw) — failed, refused, or neglected to take corrective action during the amnesty period.

The remaining three stations — Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited (95.9FM, Accra), Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited (101.3FM, Kumasi), and Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited (101.3FM, Takoradi) — were suspended for operating without a Certificate of Compliance in breach of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991). They operate in Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi.

The NCA said it would continue monitoring the broadcasting sector to ensure compliance with authorisation conditions and broadcasting laws.

“The NCA will continue to monitor the broadcasting space to ensure compliance with the relevant authorisation conditions and the laws and regulations,” the statement concluded.