Radio Gold, operating on the frequency of 90.5 MHz in Accra, Ghana, has a storied history marked by regulatory challenges and authorization issues. This article delves into the timeline of events that have shaped the station's operational status.
Accra, Ghana's capital, where Radio Gold 90.5 FM operates.
The Early Years and Initial Authorization
On 3rd October 1995, Network Broadcasting Limited, operating as Radio Gold, was granted authorization to run a commercial FM station in Accra on the 90.5MHz frequency.
Authorization Expiry and Subsequent Notices
The company’s authorization expired on 2nd October 2000, and the company did not submit a renewal application prior to its expiry. On 29th September 2008, the National Communications Authority (NCA) wrote to the company reminding them that their authorization had expired and, as such, they were operating without a valid authorization. The NCA requested the company to submit a renewal application within thirty (30) days, attaching the guidelines for renewal of FM authorization as well as NCA Application form AP04.
The thirty-day period granted to the company to apply for renewal of authorization expired on 28th October 2008, but the company did not submit a renewal application. The NCA wrote a Final Notice to the Company on 25th August 2009, referencing the letter of 29th September 2008, as well as a telephone conversation with a Director of the company, Mr. Rashid Tanko Amidu, and reminded the company that their authorization had expired. The company was requested to apply for a renewal by 25th September 2009, failing which the frequency would be withdrawn and the company closed down.
Read also: Radio Gold Frequency
Again, the thirty-day period granted to the company to apply for renewal of authorization expired on 25th September 2009, and the company did not submit a renewal application. On 29th September 2009, the company submitted an incomplete renewal application, lacking audited financial statements for the past 5 years, as well as Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) and Tax Clearance Certificates.
On 23rd November 2009, the NCA wrote to the company informing them of the omitted documents required for renewal of their authorization. The company was requested to submit the omitted documents to enable the NCA process their renewal application.
Further Warnings and Suspension
On 29th June 2016, the NCA wrote to the company referencing the letter of 25th August 2009, informing them of their expired authorization and that their operations were illegal. The company was requested to submit a complete renewal application accordingly. The NCA issued a Notice of Suspension to the company on 23rd June 2017 for its failure to submit a complete set of documents to renew its authorization prior to its expiry. The company was informed that their station would be closed down after 30 days.
On 24th July 2017, the company submitted a letter applying for renewal of authorization. The letter was, however, received, but all other attachments were not received by the NCA.
Financial Penalties and Appeals
On 26th September 2017, the company was fined GH₵31,590,000.00 as a penalty for failure to submit a complete renewal application for a total of 3,159 days for the period 29th October 2008 to 23rd June 2017. Bram-Larbi, Beecham & Co., Lawyers for the company, wrote to The NCA on 29th September 2017 requesting a revocation of the penalties imposed on the company since they were unlawful.
Read also: Adom FM 106.3
The NCA responded on 23rd October 2017, granting a 50% reprieve on the fine as approved by the Minister of Communications. The Company was requested to pay a fine of GH₵15,795,000.00 within 30 days, failing which the station would be closed down. On 14th November 2017, Bram-Larbi, Beecham & Co., Lawyers for the company, appealed to The NCA to revoke the penalties imposed on the company and requested a meeting with The NCA to discuss their concerns.
The NCA acknowledged the letter from the company’s lawyers on 18th November 2017, informing them their submissions were being reviewed. On 21st December 2017, the NCA wrote to the company granting amnesty on the sanctions imposed on them. The company was requested to pay a reduced fine of GH₵3,650,000.00 for an infraction period of 365 days and a daily fine of GH₵10,000.00 based on the company’s classification as an Urban Type 1 station.
Renewal Attempts and Legal Battles
A meeting was held between the NCA and the company, represented by Henry Laryea and Alfred Tetteh, on 11th January 2018 to discuss the renewal of the companies’ authorization. The company was informed that the documents they presented at the meeting for renewing their authorization were incomplete and as such The NCA could not accept them.
The Company submitted a complete renewal application and paid the application fees on 12th January 2018. The application was, however, not processed due to the case filed by GIBA on behalf of the company at the Electronic Communications Tribunal (ECT). The ECT gave its ruling in the case of GIBA (suing for and on behalf of Radio Gold and 8 others) on 18th June 2018. The ECT quashed the penalties imposed on the company; however, the ECT stated that a former holder of a Frequency Authorization reverts to the same position as a fresh applicant when the authorization expires and as such Radio Gold does not have a valid authorization to operate an FM Radio station.
The NCA issued a letter to the company on 8th May 2019 directing them to cease operations since they did not have a valid authorization. Consequently, the company was closed down on 9th May 2019 for operating without a valid authorization.
Read also: Customizable African Menu
Journalism: Radio Gold Resumes Operations
Timeline of Events
The following table summarizes the key events in the authorization history of Radio Gold 90.5 FM:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 3rd October 1995 | Authorization granted to operate a commercial FM Station in Accra on 90.5MHz. |
| 2nd October 2000 | Authorization expired; no renewal application submitted prior to expiry. |
| 29th September 2008 | NCA reminds the company that their authorization has expired. |
| 25th August 2009 | NCA issues a Final Notice to the Company. |
| 29th September 2009 | The Company submitted an incomplete renewal application. |
| 23rd June 2017 | The NCA issued a Notice of Suspension to the company. |
| 26th September 2017 | The company was fined GH₵31,590,000.00. |
| 18th June 2018 | ECT ruled that Radio Gold does not have a valid Authorization. |
| 9th May 2019 | The company was closed down for operating without a valid Authorization. |
A radio station studio, similar to what Radio Gold 90.5 FM might have used.
Popular articles:
tags: #Ghana
