Forty-nine TV stations operating illegally in Ghana are being shut down.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) says the closure of the unlicensed stations is designed to ensure the efficient use of the country’s broadcasting spectrum – so signals do not cut out if it becomes too crowded.

About 146 TV channels are currently authorised to operate.

The NCA says it continuously monitors satellite free-to-air television platforms.

The process of shutting down the stations is being done in collaboration with the police and intelligence agents.

More than 50 radio stations were shut down in a similar exercise in 2017, BBC reports.