Ghana’s Ministry of Communications has cut the sanctions meted out to the over 130 radio stations by the National Communications Authority (NCA) by 50 percent.
Others received absolute pardon, a release from the ministry said.
The reprieve, the release said, follows the presentation of the Communications Minister on the floor of Parliament on 19th October, 2017.
According to the release issued on Friday, the pecuniary penalties which were imposed on the community and institutional FM broadcasting stations have been waived.
“In addition to this, these stations are to regularise their operations; pay their outstanding indebtedness (Annual Regulatory and Spectrum fees) and submit renewal applications and all outstanding documentation as applicable within thirty (30) days from the date of this release, Friday, 20 October, 2017.
Failure to do so will result in the revocation of their authorisations,” it directed. FM broadcasting stations which had their authorisations revoked, the release said, have the option to petition the sector minister for a review within 10 days from Friday, 20th October 2017.
After receipt of their petitions, they will be reviewed on a case by case basis, following which the minister will determine the applicable sanctions, it said.
For commercial FM broadcasting stations that fines were imposed on them, they had their penalties reduced by 50%. “Defaulting Commercial FM Broadcasting Stations that were fined by the NCA have also had their fines reduced by 50%.
They have 30 days from 20th October, 2017 to pay the 50% reduced penalties or have their authorisations revoked. “It is the expectation of the Ministry and the Authority that all defaulting FM stations will take advantage of this opportunity and ensure compliance within the shortest possible time.”
The stations were sanctioned by the regulator in September for committing various infractions. Some stations had their licence revoked with others being slapped with a fine as high as GHC61 million.
Read: https://africaneye.soscodesoftware.com/see-the-list-frequencies-and-locations-of-radio-stations-sanctioned-by-nca/
African Eye Report
