Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has denied ever possessing vehicles belonging to the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC).
Speaking to the media on Tuesday, September 30, described the allegations false, adding, “It is not true that MASLOC vehicles were taken from me. These are mere lies. If indeed it was Wontumi who went for the vehicles, then they should come out with evidence and documentation to back it”.
He further challenged MASLOC to provide an evidence to support their claim. In September, MASLOC revealed that a collaboration with the National Security operatives resulted in the seizure of three out of five government vehicles which were in possession of the Ashanti Chairman Wontumi.
This information was disclosed by the Deputy Women Organizer for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Abigail Elorm Mensah who also doubles as the CEO of MASLOC on Wednesday, September 10.
Speaking to Citi News, the retrieval of vehicles from Wontumi is in line with a broader initiative to recover government loans and vehicles from defaulters.
She noted that Chairman Wontumi adds up to one of the many individuals who receive loans and vehicles from the institutions but have refused to fulfill the terms of the agreement.
According to the CEO of MASLOC, her outfit is working tirelessly to ensure Chairman Wontumi returns the two other government-owned cars.
“I have gone with National Security operatives to the house of the Chairman of the NPP in Ashanti Region, Chairman Wontumi. Three cars. In fact, the cars were five. We’ve retrieved three. I have collected all from his house. We are still chasing him for the two.
“He has to pay for them. What we do is that once I seize the cars, the agreement we have with you is that you would have to repay whatever has accrued, and we release the cars to you,” she said.
The CEO of MASLOC mentioned that, “Between February and now, I have recovered roughly about GHS8 million, but that is not even up to 10% of what is in debt. We have in debt over GHS430m”.
MASLOC is an apex body responsible for implementing the Government of Ghana’s microfinance programmes targeted at reducing poverty. It was established in 2006 to grant loans to start-ups and small businesses to help them grow and expand as part of its core functions.
In the meantime, three radio stations owned by Chairman Wontumi and six others have been directed by the National Communications Authority (NCA) to halt operations.
Their suspension was enforced under Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991), which prevents the operation without a valid Certificate of Compliance.
In a press release by the National Communications Authority (NCA), the Authority explained that the affected radio stations, 95.9 FM in Accra, 101.3 FM in Kumasi, and 101.3 FM in Takoradi under the Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited, breached broadcasting regulations.
According to the Authority, it served a 30-day grace period to the affected radio stations following an order by President John Dramani Mahama; however, the stations failed to adhere to the directive.
“The National Communications Authority (NCA) has suspended the operations of nine (9) radio stations for various infractions. This action follows the expiration of the 30-day grace period granted by the President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for defaulting stations to remedy the violation of the laws and regulations governing FM radio broadcasting in Ghana
“Six (6) stations failed, refused, and neglected to comply with the regulatory amnesty by taking no action. Consequently, the operations of the following stations have been suspended; Donplus Multimedia Limited; Dreams Ghana Media Limited, Jam Multimedia Limited, Jewel Group Limited, Unique Gateway Communication Limited and Wontumi Multimedia Company Limited.
“Whereas many of the violating stations took steps to remedy breaches during the amnesty period, three (3) stations failed to remedy some of the breaches including unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and unapproved transmitter locations. Consequently, the operations of the following stations have been suspended for operating without a Certificate of Compliance in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011, L.I. 1991,” parts of the release read.
Meanwhile, six other radio stations have been shut down in the same regard. The Authority has assured the general public that it remains dedicated to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector.
The NCA warned that failure to comply with its recent directive shall constitute an affront to the prescribed conditions for FM broadcasting with grave consequences for their authorizations.
On the other hand, in a letter dated August 12, Wontumi Multimedia insisted that it has met all regulatory requirements. According to Wontumi Multimedia, “We settled the outstanding regulatory and spectrum fees amounting to Twenty- Two Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Ghana Cedis (GHC 22,330.00).
“We invited the NCA for another inspection, which we facilitated as per the stipulated timeline. Given that all the issues highlighted in your previous letters have been addressed, we are currently working with our legal representatives to ensure that all matters related to our operations are handled appropriately.
Earlier this month, Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation, Sam Nartey George revealed that a majority of the radio stations that were provided amnesty to meet regulatory requirements after being shut down have begun regularizing their paperwork.
Providing an update to the public as part of the Government Accountability Series on August 1, the minister revealed that 58 out of the 64 radio stations are correcting their wrongs.
“About five weeks ago, the ministry issued a directive to the NCA to shut down 64 radio stations. The President, H.E. John Dramani Mahama intervened and requested amnesty, which we granted—a 30-day amnesty.
Of the 64 radio stations, 58 of them have written to the NCA and started the process of regularising their paperwork,” he said. He, however, noted that the 64 stations were just the first batch of the radio stations that were not complying with the laws.
“However, you’d recall that I indicated that the total number of radio stations in default was 210. The 64 was just not one phase. We expect that the public sensitization with the first batch of 64 would have compelled the others to have taken steps to rectify their anomaly.”
As such, the sector minister noted that “for all those who have failed to take any step, there will be no further public announcement on it. There will be simply enforcement in order to protect the public resource.”
President John Dramani Mahama in June directed the Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation to liaise with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to immediately restore the broadcast of sixty-four (64) radio stations affected by the regulator’s action.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) ordered a total of 62 FM broadcasting stations to immediately suspend operations on their respective frequencies due to persistent violations of regulatory requirements.
The non-compliant stations violated Regulations 54 and 56 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991) and the Conditions of their FM Broadcasting Authorisations. In a statement by the Presidency on June 12, it was revealed that President Mahama is of the opinion that regulatory compliance must take into account the need to uphold and enhance media freedom.
Per the statement, “requiring radio stations to shut down while awaiting the regularisation of their authorisation could limit the space for expressing such freedoms.”
The President thus requested the sector minister to work with the NCA on a reasonable timeframe within which the affected stations should regularise their authorisation. The Ministry for Communications complied with the directive.
Founder of Asaase Radio, Mr Gabby Asare Otchere-Darko confirmed the suspended operations of his radio station. In a post on X, Mr Otchere-Darko revealed that his uniform was supposed to renew its licence in October last year but only did so in December. Asaase Radio was set to commemorate its 5th anniversary on Saturday, June 14.
“Yes, it’s true. Asaase Radio 99.5, which celebrates its 5th anniversary Saturday, has been shut down. The General Manager informs me it’s because the station delayed in renewing its licence last year. It was to be renewed by October but only done in December 2024,” Gabby Otchere-Darko wrote on X.
In response, the Communications Minister Sam Nartey George entreated Mr Otchere-Darko to take advantage of the 30-days clemency the President has given and act according to what the law states. “The action by the NCA is in conformance with law. It is imperative we all respect the laws and act accordingly. Those affected are advised to take advantage of the 30-days clemency the President has given. For God and Country.”
Per a statement issued by NCA, its action followed a directive issued by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Sam Nartey George, mandating the authority to enforce applicable sanctions on stations found to be in violation of the regulations in the recent audit conducted to ensure full compliance with licensing and operational requirements in the broadcasting sector.
The NCA thus commenced enforcement of regulatory sanctions against the defaulting entities identified in the Frequency Audit Report in phases. The categorisation of infractions under the first phase includes 28 stations operating with expired authorizations.
Some of these stations were ordered by the NCA in 2024 to cease broadcasting but have persisted in the illegality. This represents a violation of Section 2 (4) of the Electronic Communications Act. 2008 (Act 775).
Also, 14 FM stations that were issued Notices of Revocation for failure to set up within two (2) years from the date of their Authorizations subsequently requested inspection, but the process has not been completed due to various lapses they have to rectify but are still on air. These stations are in violation of Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011. LI. 1991.
Thirteen (13) FM stations that applied for authorization to continue operating and have been issued provisional authorization but have not settled the provisional authorization fees in full and hence do not have the valid authorization to continue operating.
This represents a violation of Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). The NCA noted that it acknowledges the vital role radio stations play in national development; however, it is imperative that all authorization holders strictly adhere to the regulatory requirements and conditions of their authorizations.
The Authority assured the general public that it remains dedicated to maintaining order in the broadcasting sector.
In February this year, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, ordered the closure of seven radio stations across the country for failing to comply with broadcasting regulations and national security requirements.
Fire Group of Companies, I-Zar Consult Limited, Abochannel Media Group, Okyeame Radio Limited, Mumen Bono Foundation, and Osikani Community FM—were operating without valid frequency authorizations, while one, Gumah FM in Bawku, was closed on security grounds.
Announcing the decision in a Facebook post on Tuesday, February 18, the minister emphasized the need for strict enforcement of media regulations to ensure responsible broadcasting.
The move sparked discussions on media freedom and regulation, with some welcoming the enforcement of broadcasting standards, while others questioned the potential impact on press freedom.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) highlighted the unconstitutionality of shutting down the radio stations without consulting major stakeholders such as the independent National Media Commission (NMC). The Minority in Parliament then demanded that the Minister must appear before the House to provide clarity over the matter, but the Majority objected.
