The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), has expressed reservations over the Ministry of Communication’s decision to shutdown seven (7) radio stations.
Although the MFWA acknowledges that the shutdowns are in line with the law and welcomes the enforcement of standards in order to sanitize the airwaves it has questioned the true motives behind the shutting down of the radio station.
“In this regard, the Ministry would have helped the cause of transparency by publishing the full data on “the recent audit” it referred to. This would enable the public to identify all radio stations in good standing alongside the defaulting ones. This way, perceptions and suspicions of selective enforcement of the law would be banished, and fairness would be seen to be done. We have, therefore, often advocated and hereby reiterate, that the relevant laws are amended to transfer the broadcast licensing and regulation functions of the NCA to the independent National Media Commission,” the MFWA said.
According to the MFWA, the decision taken by the sector minister, Samuel Nartey George falls in the regulatory domain of the independent National Media Commission (NMC), as he was the complainant.
“While the accusations may be tenable, we cannot allow a “tribunal” of partisan political players such as the sector minister, the Regional Minister, the Director General of the NCA, the National Security Coordinator, among partisan persons, to prosecute, while being themselves the complainants.”
The MFWA added that the recent shutdowns, like several others under the Nana Akufo-Addo government (2017-2024), have been carried out without recourse to the NMC.
The MFWA fears that if this trend is entrenched, critical broadcast stations can be shut down, ostensibly over national security concerns, but in reality, for political reasons. Such a scenario will have dire consequences for press freedom and media pluralism.
“We therefore urge the current government to pause, reflect and consult the NMC when taking a decision to sanction a broadcast station, particularly over alarming content. Ultimately, we call for dialogue leading to a decision to amend relevant laws to give the independent National Media Commission the mandate to approve broadcast license applications and recommend sanctions for infractions regarding licensing conditions,” it added.
Sam George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has directed the National Communications Authority (NCA) to shut down 7 radio stations.
According to Sam George, one of the stations Gumah FM in Bawku was shut down on national security grounds, while the remaining six were found to be operating without valid frequency authorisation.
The statement issued revealed that Gumah FM has been used as a platform to incite violence disrupt public order and escalate tension in the North East Region.
The stations are:
- Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani – 90.1MHz
- I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale – 89.7MHz
- Abochannel Media Group, Adidome – 105.7MHz
- Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani – 99.7MHz
- Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman – 99.7MHz
- Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta – 99.7MHz
- Gumah FM in Bawku
