National Communications Authority closes 4 radio stations in Bawku

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has shut down four radio stations in Bawku in the Bawku Municipality in the Upper East Region.

The stations are Bawku FM, Source FM, Zahra FM, and Gumah FM.

Reports stated that the exercise was carried out on Saturday, February 23, 2024, amid heavy military protection following a recommendation by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).

A statement issued by the NCA said the decision was taken upon the advice of the Ministry of National Security and the operations of the said FM stations which were believed to be fuelling the age-old conflict.

It added that inflammable utterances of the panelists and presenters of the radio stations had contributed to the escalation of the Bawku conflict, leading to the loss of lives and property in the area.

It said consequently, the NCA has invoked its powers to shut down the stations in accordance with Section (1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act,2008 (Act 775) which provides that the Authority may suspend or revoke a license or a frequency authorization where the suspension or revocation is necessary because of national security or is in the public interest.

The NCA assured the public that it would continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to execute its mandate as set out by the law and therefore called on all stakeholders to adhere to the tenets and regulations governing the communications ministry.

However, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has reacted to the closure of the radio stations in Bawku.

Programmes Officer at MFWA, Kwaku Krobea Asante said the NCA should have engaged the National Media Commission, responsible for regulating media content, before taking such drastic measures.

He stressed the importance of upholding press freedom and ensuring due process in such cases.

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