The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has raised alarms over the recent shutdown of seven private radio stations by the government, warning that such actions threaten press freedom and media diversity in the country.
While the MFWA acknowledged the importance of enforcing broadcasting regulations, it expressed concern about the fairness and transparency of the process, particularly regarding potential political interference in media oversight.
The shutdown, ordered by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, affected Gumah FM in Bawku, which was closed on national security grounds, and six other stations operating without valid frequency authorizations.
The government maintains that the shutdowns were legal and necessary to uphold broadcasting standards. However, the MFWA cautioned that these actions could undermine democratic principles if left unchecked.
“Radio plays a vital role in promoting inclusivity and representing diverse political opinions,” the MFWA said in a statement. “Any interference in media regulation by politicians raises concerns about possible political bias and favoritism.”
A major concern for the MFWA is the handling of Gumah FM’s closure, emphasizing that such matters should fall under the jurisdiction of the independent National Media Commission (NMC), not government officials.
“While the accusations may be valid, we cannot allow a tribunal of partisan political players, such as the sector minister, the Regional Minister, and the National Security Coordinator, to act as both the complainants and the prosecutors,” the MFWA argued. “Even if the closure is based on intelligence, the evidence must be presented to the NMC for a proper review.”
To protect press freedom, the MFWA is calling for reforms that would transfer the authority for broadcast licensing and regulation from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to the independent NMC. The foundation warned that continued government interference in media regulation could have serious consequences.
“The MFWA fears that if this trend continues, critical broadcast stations may be shut down for political reasons,” the statement concluded.
The MFWA’s concerns add to growing apprehension over increasing restrictions on independent journalism in Ghana, following several media shutdowns under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration since 2017.
