The second part of November registered a rising trend, with an increase of 64.7% in the total number of reported cases of unethical and unlawful content on the airwaves, the National Media Commission (NMC) and the National Communications Authority (NCA) have said.
Joint monitoring carried out by the two institutions revealed that in the specific category of unlawful and unethical content, fake lotteries increased sixfold (676%) while occultism doubled (105%).
By way of contrast, the report, signed by George Sarpong, executive secretary of the NMC, said money doubling decreased by 23.03% and money rituals decreased by 16.07%.
It said the top ten stations that had complaints made against them were Adwenpa TV, Asomafo TV, Elephant TV, XTV, Diamond TV, Big TV, Passion TV, Funny TV, Best TV and Energy TV.
In the case of fake lotteries, ten complaints were received regarding Adwenpa TV, 16 for Asomafo TV, 31 for Elephant TV, four complaints involving XTV, three for Diamond TV, six for Big TV, one for Funny TV, two for Best TV and five complaints for Energy TV.
Some 15 complaints were received concerning Adwenpa TV regarding occultism, nine reports were made against Diamond TV, four against Big TV, six against Passion TV and one each against Best TV and Energy TV.
For money doubling, 15 complaints were made against Adwenpa TV, 28 against Asomafo TV, seven against Elephant TV, 12 against XTV, 23 against Diamond TV, 17 against Big TV, 13 against Passion TV, 28 against Funny TV, 25 against Best TV and 24 against Energy TV.
Adwenpa TV was reported on three occasions for promoting money rituals on the airwaves, one report was made against Asomafo TV, two against Elephant TV, 24 against XTV, five each against Diamond TV and Big TV, 17 against Passion TV, three against Funny TV, four against Best TV and two against Energy TV.
A total of 20 complaints were received against Adwenpa TV for promoting inappropriate sexual content on the airwaves.
The report said even though Asomafo TV, Adwenpa TV, Diamond TV, X TV, Funny TV, Big TV, Passion TV, Elephant TV, Best TV, Energy TV, Nkabom TV and Seekers TV were cited in the fortnightly report from the National Media Commission/National Communications Authority, they maintained their offensive broadcasts after they were cautioned publicly.
“They should take note that this constitutes their final warning. Regulatory action may be taken against them without any further reference to them,” the report said.
Offense caused
On the related case of Onua TV/ FM, the Commission said it had filed a notice of suspension of authorisation with the NCA after the extended time expired without the stations apologising or withdrawing their offensive content.
It said Onua TV/ FM had subsequently filed a case in court claiming a right to carry the content the Commission found offensive, adding that the Commission would continue to update the public about the matter.
The Commission expressed gratitude to the NCA for the positive collaboration to ensure professionalism in broadcasting.
“We reaffirm our dedication to ensure free, pluralistic and responsible media in Ghana.
“We encourage the public to continue to collaborate with us by calling the toll-free number 0800-419-666, to draw our attention to any content they consider unacceptable by the standards of media ethics, Ghanaian culture, traditions and norms,” it added.
