The National Communications Authority (NCA) has shut down 49 television (TV) stations for operating without authorisations.
The closure of the stations, according to NCA, forms part of a continuous monitoring exercise conducted on various Satellite Free-to-Air Television platforms using the Broadcast Monitoring System (BMS) and the Radio Spectrum Monitoring System (RSMS).
NCA in a statement said, “The monitoring revealed that some channels were operating without valid Authorisations, contrary to Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act 775 of 2008, which states that, ‘Except as provided by this Act or any other law not inconsistent with this Act, a person shall not operate. a broadcasting system or provide a broadcasting service without a frequency authorisation by the Authority”.
It said 49 channels have been identified to be operating without valid authorisations and are being shut down accordingly.
Some of the stations so far include Kwaku Bonsam TV, Apple TV, Iron TV, Thunder TV, Ice1 TV, Abapa TV, Serwaa TV, Face TV, Cash TV, Lion TV, NTV, Nazareth TV among others.
NCA indicated that the exercise is being done in conjunction with the Ghana Police Service and National Security Intelligence Operatives.
The Authority gave assurance that it will continue monitoring to ensure that the use of spectrum is done in an efficient manner.
“We also take the opportunity to caution all Licence and Authorisation holders to ensure that their licences and authorisations are always up-to-date and in compliance with the stated terms and conditions,” NCA added.
