MFWA Slams Mahama Administration Over Radio Shutdowns
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has weighed in on government’s recent shutdown of seven private radio stations, warning that the move sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom and media pluralism.
While acknowledging the need for regulatory enforcement, the MFWA expressed concerns about the fairness and transparency of the process, particularly regarding political interference in media regulation.
The closure, directed by Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, affected Bawku-based Gumah FM, which was shut down on national security grounds, and six other stations cited for operating without valid frequency authorisations.
The government maintains that the shutdowns were legal and necessary to enforce broadcasting standards.
However, the MFWA argues that the move could undermine democratic principles if left unchecked.
“Radio plays a crucial role in promoting inclusion and reflecting divergent opinions in the political terrain,” the MFWA noted in its statement on Wednesday, warning that “Any intervention in the broadcasting regulation domain by politicians raises suspicions of possible political targeting and favouritism.”
A key concern for the MFWA is the handling of Gumah FM’s closure, stating that the issues at hand fall under the jurisdiction of the independent National Media Commission (NMC), not government officials.
“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.
“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 MFWA emphasized.
To safeguard press freedom, the MFWA is urging urgent reforms that will transfer broadcast licensing and regulatory authority from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to the independent NMC. It warns that continued government interference in media regulation could have dire consequences.
“The MFWA fears that if this trend is entrenched, critical broadcast stations can be shut down… for political reasons,” the statement warned.
The MFWA’s latest warning amplifies concerns about the increasing restrictions on independent journalism in Ghana, having witnessed multiple media shutdowns under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration since 2017.
