NCA To Shut Down 49 TV Channels Operating With No Valid Licenses

The National Communications Authority says it will shut down some 49 television channels in the country that are operating without valid licenses contrary to Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act 775 of 2008. The shutdown process which has begun, will affect the channels including Virgin TV, Thunder TV, Maranatha TV, Kwaku Bonsam and Obuor TV. A statement issued by

the NCA said the exercise is being done in conjunction with the Ghana Police Service and the National Security Intelligence Operatives. It said the channels were also identified during a monitoring exercise conducted on various Satellite Free to Air Television platforms using the Broadcast Monitoring System (BMS) and the Radio Spectrum Monitoring System (RSMS). It noted that its

monitoring will also continue as a way of ensuring the efficient use of the country’s broadcasting spectrum. 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, the NCA added. NCA has already shut down Thunder TV and Ice1 TV. It

took the action against the the TV channels on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. Nana Agradaa, very well known for her moneymaking ritual, ‘sika gari’, was also arrested by a joint team of Police and National Security Intelligence Operatives in collaboration with the NCA on Tuesday night. The team seized two pieces of equipment each also used in the illegal transmission from both Thunder TV and Ice1 TV.