The Ashanti Regional Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party(NPP) has slammed the National Communications Authority (NCA) over the closure of Wontumi Radio.
The NPP Youth Wing in the Ashanti Region accused the NCA of a calculated attempt to silence the vibrant voice of the NPP’s grassroots.
On Tuesday, August 26, in a statement signed by the Regional Youth Organiser, Raphael Patrick Sarfo condemned the closure of Wontumi radio.
Part of their statement read, “We strongly condemn this act, which we consider not only a direct attack on media freedom, but also a calculated attempt to silence the vibrant voice of our grassroots”.
They further pointed a finger at President Mahama, describing him as a hypocrite, remembering his own criticism of station closures during his time in opposition.
“It is ironic and hypocritical that H.E. John Dramani Mahama, who once openly condemned the closure of Radio Gold and other pro-NDC stations during his time in opposition, is today presiding over the closure of Wontumi Radio. What has changed?” the statement asked.
“We will resist every attempt to use state institutions as tools of political witch-hunting and oppression. Ghana’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of partisan interest,” the statement concluded.
Meanwhile, the National Communications Authority (NCA) suspended the operations of Wontumi Radio and 8 others over regulatory breaches.
The NCA, in a statement dated August 12, revealed that the decision follows after they failed to meet President John Mahama’s 30-day grace period.
It will be recalled that sixty-two radio stations were shut down, with two radio stations affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party.
The 64 radio stations were previously shut down for failing to comply with broadcasting regulations.
Wontumi FM’s Takoradi outlets are reportedly among the affected radio stations listed in the NCA’s enforcement action announced on Wednesday, June 12, 2025.
A statement by the NCA specified that out of 62 media houses that were shut down, “28 were found to be operating with expired authorisations, while 14 received authorisation but failed to set up operations within two years, breaking the regulatory timelines.
Thirteen were also operating under provisional authorisation, despite having paid the required fees.
The remaining seven stations paid provisional fees, but final authorisation is pending due to non-fulfilment of requirements under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations”.
A statement from the presidency signed by Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, revealed that Mahama has requested the restoration of those stations.
The regulator NCA revealed several stations took advantage of the amnesty period to remedy breaches.
The NCA, in its statement dated August 12, stated, “Six stations failed, refused and neglected to comply with the regulatory amnesty by taking no action”.
According to the NCA, the nine stations were operating without a valid Certificate of Compliance, contrary to Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).
The statement, “Consequently, the operations of the following stations have been suspended”.
The stations affected are “Donplus Multimedia Limited (Ho, 105.9), Dreams Ghana Media Limited (New Abirem, 104.9), Jam Multimedia Limited (Kintampo, 101.3), Jewel Group Limited (Duayaw Nkwanta, 102.7), Kandai Star Community Radio (Kpandai, 107.3), Unique Gateway Communication Limited, and three outlets of Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited — operating in Accra (95.9), Kumasi (101.3) and Takoradi (101.3”.
“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.
Also, the Communication Minister, Sam George, in a post on X wrote, “We shall continue to take decisive action in the interest of our Country and responsible journalism that respects the terms of the frequency authorisation”.