MFWA warns gov’t over closure of private radio stations
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has expressed vehement concerns over the Ghanaian government’s recent shutdown of seven private radio stations, cautioning that this move imperils press freedom and media pluralism. While acknowledging the necessity of regulatory enforcement, the MFWA has questioned the fairness and transparency of the shutdowns, particularly the potential for political interference in media regulation.
At the epicenter of this controversy is the directive issued by Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, which affected Bawku-based Gumah FM and six other stations accused of operating without valid frequency authorizations. The government has defended this move as a legitimate and necessary step to uphold broadcasting standards. However, the MFWA has warned that such actions, if unchecked, could erode democratic principles and undermine the integrity of the media landscape.
The MFWA emphasized that radio plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and reflecting diverse opinions in the political sphere. Therefore, any intervention by politicians in the broadcasting regulation domain raises suspicions of possible political targeting and favoritism. The foundation has also expressed concerns over the manner in which Gumah FM’s closure was handled, arguing that such matters fall under the independent National Media Commission (NMC), not government authorities.
To protect press freedom, the MFWA is advocating for urgent reforms to transfer broadcast licensing and regulatory authority from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to the independent NMC. This, they believe, would help mitigate the risks of government interference in media regulation and ensure that critical broadcast stations are not shut down for political reasons.
Source: Richard Nana Appiah Kubi/Ahotoronline.com
