Gumah FM is displeased with its shutdown and plans to petition the National Media Commission (NMC) following the recent directive that forced the station off-air.

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The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, on Tuesday, February 19, ordered the closure of several media outlets, including Gumah FM, over allegations of operating without valid frequency authorization.

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The directive, signed by Minister Samuel Nartey George, also accused the station of inciting violence in Bawku, a town troubled by long-standing conflict.

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Speaking to Citi News on Thursday, February 20, the General Manager of Gumah FM, Nurudeen Gumah, stated that management would first seek clarity from the National Communications Authority (NCA) on the reasons behind the shutdown. If unsatisfied with the outcome, the station intends to escalate the matter to the courts.

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“We are going to write to the National Communication Authority about the reason behind them shutting us down. We will also petition the National Media Commission to look into the matter, on whether they have other options for us now. If we are not satisfied with the outcome then we have no other option than to go to the court,” Mr. Gumah explained.

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The management has dismissed the allegations as politically motivated and has demanded that the ministry provide concrete evidence of any wrongdoing.

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“We just saw a letter that they are closing us down, that is why we believe that they need to provide us with evidence because we do our programmes and record them with disclaimers. So if they have sighted a specific thing that we have done, that they believe is inciting violence or hate speech, then it becomes necessary for them to make the evidence available to us—that you have done this so we have to shut you down—but they have not done that, and I sincerely believe that it is either a political witch hunt or somebody somewhere wants Gumah FM shut down,” Mr. Gumah said.

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The station’s management has vowed to pursue every available channel to challenge the shutdown and defend its operations.

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