They had defaulted in making payments for license fees, and were said to have been operating illegally according to a statement from the NCA in September 2017.

[contextly_sidebar id=”r3hAVk7o4srdvrNrtfFcSHYqyDiSVIxD”]The 30 day-window given to the stations to respond to the notice has elapsed.

Their managers have however disclosed to Citi News they are working to get back on air.

Okay FM and Hello FM were among the 131 stations that fell foul of Section 13 of the Electronics Communications Act (2009).

34 of the sanctioned stations had their licenses revoked because their authorizations had expired, and were operating illegally, whilst the others picked up over GHc1 billion in fines.

Radio Gold and Atlantis Radio picked up the heftiest fines of GHc 61,330,000 and GHc 60,350,000 respectively.

The sanctions have been criticized as being too harsh, with critics claiming that they amount to an attempt to monetize freedom of expression.

Critics like the National Democratic Congress (NCA) minority in Parliament, have cited the potential job losses that would result from the possible shutdowns of sanctioned stations.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), had served notice it was going to rally to the defense of the sanctioned stations, but they are yet to take any concrete decisions in this regard.

Break down of 97 sanctioned stations

According to the NCA, eleven (11) radio stations have been requested to pay application fees for renewal of Authorisation, and also pay a fine in accordance with the NCA’s gazetted Schedule of Penalties for failure to apply 3 months before the expiry of Authorization within 30 days.

Two (2) radio stations have been asked to submit renewal application within 30 days.

Sixteen (16) radio stations have been asked to submit renewal application, pay application fees, and pay a fine in accordance with the Authority’s gazetted Schedule of Penalties within 30 days.

Twenty‐four (24) radio stations have been asked to submit omitted documents and pay a fine in accordance with the Authority’s gazetted Schedule of Penalties within 30 days.

Fifteen (15) radio stations will have their Authorisation processed after payment of fines in accordance with the Authority’s gazetted Schedule of Penalties.

One (1) radio station has been asked to settle its outstanding indebtedness before renewal of Authorization is considered.

Twenty (20) radio stations have been asked to settle their Provisional Authorization (renewal) fees which have been invalidated due to non‐payment within sixty days – to pay interest on due amount.

Eight (8) radio stations have been asked to pay a fine in accordance with the NCA’s gazette Schedule of Penalties before the authority conducts inspection as requested by the stations.

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By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana

The post Okay FM, Hello FM off-air after NCA crackdown appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.

The promo also celebrates the rebranding of the Dalex Salary Loan Agent as the ‘Dalex Paddy’. The ‘Dalex Paddy’ is the friendly and ethical service provided by the Dalex sales force of over 750 agents nationwide.

Speaking at the launch of the ‘Dalex Paddy’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Dalex Finance, Mr. Ken Thompson said, “when you need a loan you think first of your friend because you trust your friends and know that they care for you, likewise, we want our sales force to provide services to our clients as friends hence the name ‘Dalex Paddy’.”

According to Mr. Ken Thompson, the current economic climate creates the strong temptation to borrow more than may be prudent.

Dalex Finance is exercising leadership in the sector by promoting ethical lending. The ‘Dalex Paddy’ ensures that clients are aware of the full cost of the loan, rather than simply advertising speed and accessibility of funds.

Further, the ‘Dalex Paddy’ will not push clients to borrow more than they need. Dalex Finance has been undertaking a massive nation-wide retraining program, since last year, to transform the Dalex Sales Agents into the friendly and ethical “Dalex Paddy’ force. This training has been in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) Business Edge Program.

The Dalex ‘Cash Dash’ is about giving away free cash of up to GH₵ 250.00 to every new borrower. This is to help relieve the burden on pressured workers.

Dalex Finance and Leasing Company is a leading Non-Bank Financial Institution in Business Loans, Leasing, Investments and Salary Loans. It is ranked number 16 in the Ghana Club 100 (2013).

Credit: Dalex Finance

The post ‘Dalex Paddy’ offers free cash to workers appeared first on Citi 97.3 FM - Relevant Radio. Always.