The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has strongly criticized the government’s recent shutdown of seven private radio stations, arguing that such decisions should be left to the independent National Media Commission (NMC) rather than government-appointed officials.

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The shutdown, led by Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, affected Bawku-based Gumah FM, which was closed on national security grounds, along with six other stations accused of operating without valid frequency authorizations.

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The affected stations include Fire Group of Companies in Sunyani, broadcasting on 90.1MHz, and I-Zar Consult Limited in Tamale on 89.7MHz. Also affected are Abochannel Media Group in Adidome on 105.7MHz, Okyeame Radio Limited in Bibiani on 99.7MHz, Mumen Bono Foundation in Techiman on 99.7MHz, and Osikani Community FM in Nkrankwanta, also on 99.7MHz.

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The Ministry stressed that broadcasting without a valid frequency authorisation is a violation of the law, warning that swift enforcement actions will be taken against any station that disregards regulatory requirements.

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“In accordance with Act 775, it is unlawful to operate a broadcasting service without a valid frequency authorisation. The NCA will take the necessary steps to halt all unauthorized transmissions and ensure compliance with the law,” the statement added.

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While the government insists the move was legal and necessary to enforce broadcasting standards, the MFWA warns that political involvement in media regulation threatens press freedom.

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"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 stated.

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The foundation emphasized that regulatory matters regarding media operations should be handled by the NMC, which is constitutionally mandated to oversee press freedom and media independence. "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 statement added.

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A major concern raised by the MFWA is the impact of such actions on Ghana’s democratic landscape, particularly the risk of politically motivated closures. The group argues that radio stations serve as platforms for diverse opinions and public discourse.

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"Radio plays a crucial role in promoting inclusion and reflecting divergent opinions in the political terrain. Any intervention in the broadcasting regulation domain by politicians raises suspicions of possible political targeting and favoritism," it noted.

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As a solution, the MFWA is calling for urgent reforms to transfer the authority of broadcast licensing and regulation from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to the NMC. The foundation believes this will prevent government interference and protect media pluralism in Ghana.

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"The MFWA fears that if this trend is entrenched, critical broadcast stations can be shut down… for political reasons," it warned.

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The closure of media houses has been a recurring issue under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration, with multiple stations taken off air since 2017. The latest crackdown has further fueled concerns about the erosion of press freedom in the country.

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