Broadcast regulations: 5,000 to lose jobs over closure of radio stations

The punishment, which included revocation of licenses and fines, was slapped on the affected radio stations following the completion of a nationwide FM Spectrum Audit.

The Minority in Parliament has warned that some 5,000 people were likely to lose their jobs after the National Communications Authority (NCA) punished some 131 radio stations for various infractions.

The punishment, which included revocation of licenses and fines, was slapped on the affected radio stations following the completion of a nationwide FM Spectrum Audit.

READ MORE: NCA names radio stations whose licenses have been revoked

However, in a statement signed by the Minority spokesperson on communications, Alhaji A.B.A Fuseini, the NCA did not consider the harmful impact of its action, saying some 5,000 working in the affected radio station will be rendered jobless.

"Radio has become a foremost means of expression by large sections of our citizenry since the liberalization of the airwaves at the beginning of the current democratic dispensation. Entities operating within that space, therefore, ought to be acknowledged for their invaluable contributions to the growth of our democracy.

"The NCA does not also appear to have considered the deleterious impact this will have on jobs in the sector. We estimate that close to 5,000 people working in the affected stations will be rendered jobless should the current action persist.

"This will only serve to worsen the precarious unemployment situation and add to the hardships Ghanaians are going through," portions of the statement noted.Out of the 131 stations, 34 which have been operating illegally after their authorisations had expired, had their licenses revoked.

Other stations affected have also been given a 30-day grace period to settle their indebtedness to the regulator or submit the relevant documentation as indicated in the letters sent them by the NCA.

Some of the popular stations that the NCA has slapped hefty fines on including Radio XYZ which has been fined GHc 4,090,000, Atinka FM fined GHc 14,800,000.

READ MORE: NCA to shut down Montie FM and Radio Gold?

Among the stations that have been fined, Radio Gold and Atlantis Radio are the hardest hit, with GHc 61,330,000 and GHc 60,350,000 respectively.

However, 13 other FM Authorisation Holders have been given amnesty.

The punishment, which included revocation of licenses and fines, was slapped on the affected radio stations following the completion of a nationwide FM Spectrum Audit. Read Full Story