Radio Gold Ghana Frequency: A History of Operations and Regulatory Issues

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Ghana is making significant strides in its digital transformation agenda, strategically integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into its governance framework. In every democratic republic, the essence of governance is accountability. This article delves into the history of Radio Gold, a commercial FM station in Accra, Ghana, focusing on its operational timeline, regulatory challenges, and eventual closure.
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Timeline of Events

The following table details the critical events in the operational history of Radio Gold, highlighting the challenges faced with the National Communications Authority (NCA) regarding authorization and compliance:
ITEMDATEDESCRIPTION OF EVENTS
13rd October, 1995NETWORK BROADCASTING LIMITED, Radio Gold (The Company) was granted Authorisation to operate a commercial FM Station in Accra on the frequency of 90.5MHz.
22nd October, 2000The Company’s Authorisation EXPIRED but Company did not submit renewal application prior to its expiry
329th September, 2008The NCA wrote to the company reminding them that their Authorisation had EXPIRED and as such they were operating without a valid Authorisation. The NCA requested the Company to submit a renewal application within thirty (30) days, attaching the guidelines for renewal of FM Authorisation as well as NCA Application form AP04.
428th October, 2008Thirty-day period granted to the company to apply for renewal of Authorisation EXPIRED but the company did not submit a renewal application.
525th August, 2009The NCA wrote a Final Notice to the Company 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 Authorisation had EXPIRED. The company was requested to apply for a renewal by 25th September, 2009, failing which the Frequency will be withdrawn and the company closed down.
625th September, 2009The Thirty-day period granted to the company to apply for renewal of Authorisation EXPIRED but the company did not submit a renewal application.
729th September, 2009The Company submitted an incomplete renewal application. The company did not submit Audited Financial statements for the past 5 years as well as SSNIT and Tax Clearance Certificates.
823rd November, 2009The NCA wrote to the company informing them of the omitted documents required for renewal of their Authorisation. The company was requested to submit the omitted documents to enable the NCA process their renewal application.
929th June, 2016The NCA wrote to the company referencing the letter of 25th August, 2009 informing them of their EXPIRED Authorisation and that their operations are illegal. The company was requested to submit a complete renewal application accordingly.
1023rd June, 2017The NCA issued a Notice of Suspension to the company for its failure to submit a complete set of documents to renew its Authorisation prior to its expiry. The company was informed that their station will be closed down after 30 days.
1124th July, 2017The company submitted a letter applying for renewal of Authorisation. The letter was however received but all other attachments were not received by the NCA.
1226th September, 2017The company was fined GH₵31,590,000.00 as penalty for failure to submit complete renewal application for a total of 3,159 days for the period 29th October, 2008 to 23rd June, 2017.
1329th September, 2017Bram-Larbi, Beecham & Co., Lawyers for the company wrote to The NCA requesting for a revocation of the penalties imposed on the company since they were unlawful.
1423rd October, 2017The NCA wrote to company granting a 50% reprieve on the fine as approved by Minister of Communications. The Company was requested to pay fine of GH₵15,795,000.00 within 30 days, failing which station will be closed down.
1514th November, 2017Bram-Larbi, Beecham & Co., Lawyers for the company appealed to The NCA to revoke the penalties imposed on the company and requested for a meeting with The NCA to discuss their concerns.
1618th November, 2017The NCA acknowledged the letter from the company’s lawyers informing them their submissions are being reviewed.
1721st December, 2017The NCA wrote to company granting amnesty on the sanctions imposed on them. The company was requested to pay reduced fine of GH3,650,000.00 for an infraction period of 365 days and daily fine of GH₵10,000.00 based on the company’s classification as an Urban Type 1 station.
1811th January, 2018A meeting was held between the NCA and the company represented by Henry Laryea and Alfred Tetteh to discuss the renewal of the companies Authorisation. The company was informed that the documents they presented at the meeting for renewing their Authorisation were incomplete and as such The NCA could not accept them.
1912th January, 2018The Company submitted a complete renewal application and paid the application fees. The application was however not processed due to the case filed by GIBA on behalf of the company at the Electronic Communications Tribunal (ECT).
2018th June, 2018The ECT gave its ruling in the case of GIBA (suing for and on behalf of Radio Gold and 8 others). The ECT quashed the penalties imposed on the company, however the ECT stated that a former holder of a Frequency Authorisation reverts to the same position as a fresh applicant when the Authorisation expires and as such Radio Gold does not have a valid Authorisation to operate an FM Radio station.
218th May, 2019The NCA issued a letter to the company directing them to cease operations since they did not have a valid Authorisation.
229th May, 2019The company was closed down for operating without a valid Authorisation.

NCA's Actions and Regulatory Framework

The NCA's actions were carried out in line with Regulations 65 (1) of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L. I. Much as we appreciate the need for the NCA to enforce its regulations, we find it unacceptable for the precincts of a radio station to be invaded with armed security personnel, which could be intimidating to the staff of the station.

Reactions to the Closure

The MFWA is deeply concerned about the shutdown of Radio Gold and Radio XYZ which are a source of news, information and entertainment for thousands of listeners in Accra. The regulator did not mention the two stations, implying that it was a general exercise. However, only Radio XYZ and Radio Gold have been closed so far.

NCA Closure of Radio stations - News Desk on JoyNews (24-9-20)

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