The government’s recent closure of seven private radio stations has drawn criticism from the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), which cautions that the action creates a risky precedent for media pluralism and press freedom.
The MFWA acknowledged the necessity of regulatory enforcement but voiced reservations about the process’s fairness and transparency, especially in light of political meddling in media regulation.
Gumah FM, situated in Bawku, was shut down on national security grounds, and six additional stations were cited for operating without proper frequency authorizations.
The closure was overseen by Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Hon. Sam Nartey George.
According to the government, the shutdowns were required to enforce broadcasting standards and were lawful.
However, the MFWA argues that the move could undermine democratic principles if left unchecked.
“Radio plays a crucial role in promoting inclusion and reflecting divergent opinions in the political terrain,” the MFWA noted in its statement on Wednesday, warning that “Any intervention in the broadcasting regulation domain by politicians raises suspicions of possible political targeting and favouritism.”
Gumah FM’s closure is a major worry for the MFWA, which asserts that the independent National Media Commission (NMC), not government representatives, should handle the matter.
“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.
“Even if the decision was based on intelligence advice, the facts and evidence must be put before the NMC for it to recommend the shutdown if convinced,” the MFWA emphasized.
The MFWA is calling for immediate reforms that will provide the independent NMC broadcast license and regulatory authority, replacing the National Communications Authority (NCA), in order to protect press freedom. It issues a warning that more government meddling in media regulation may have disastrous repercussions.
“The MFWA fears that if this trend is entrenched, critical broadcast stations can be shut down… for political reasons,” the statement warned.
With several media shutdowns under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration since 2017, the MFWA’s most recent warning heightens worries about the growing limitations on independent journalism in Ghana.
Source: Citinewsroom