The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has issued a directive for the immediate shutdown of Gumah FM Station in Bawku.
This decision follows urgent national security concerns raised by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), citing the station’s role in inciting violence and disrupting public order.
“At an emergency meeting held on February 11, 2025, REGSEC extensively reviewed recent security developments in Bawku and parts of the North East Region. Intelligence reports indicate that Gumah FM Station has been used as a platform to incite violence, disrupt public order, and escalate tensions in the region.”
Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations
The Ministry, acting under Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), strongly urged the National Communications Authority (NCA) to enforce the order immediately.
This provision allows for the suspension or revocation of frequency authorizations when deemed necessary for national security, public order, or the public interest.
The National Communications Authority (NCA) was established by an Act of Parliament, Act 524 in December 1996, which has been repealed and replaced by the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769). The Authority is the statutory body mandated to license and regulate electronic communications activities and services in the country.
As part of the directive, Gumah FM is required to cease all broadcasting activities with immediate effect. Additionally, authorities will actively monitor the situation to prevent the emergence of alternative platforms that could be used to perpetuate instability.
The Ministry further urged all media houses to adhere strictly to the regulations governing frequency authorization, emphasizing that while freedom of speech remains a cornerstone of democracy, it must be exercised responsibly and within the confines of the law.
“The Government remains committed to safeguarding national security, public safety, and the rule of law. We call on all broadcasting entities to operate within their legal frameworks to avoid enforcement actions.”
Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations
Crackdown on Unauthorized Broadcasting Operations Intensifies
In a related move, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations has ordered immediate enforcement action against several broadcasting entities found to be operating without valid frequency authorizations.
Acting under Section 2(4) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), the Ministry has directed the Acting Director-General of the National Communications Authority (NCA) to halt the illegal operations of the following entities:
- Fire Group of Companies, Sunyani – 90.1MHz
- I-Zar Consult Limited, Tamale – 89.7MHz
- Abochannel Media Group, Adidome – 105.7MHz
- Okyeame Radio Limited, Bibiani – 99.7MHz
- Mumen Bono Foundation, Techiman – 99.7MHz
- Osikani Community FM, Nkrankwanta – 99.7MHz
These stations according to the Ministry have either failed to renew their licenses, neglected statutory payments, or defaulted in submitting the required documentation within stipulated deadlines.
As a result, their frequency authorizations have lapsed, rendering their operations illegal under Ghana’s broadcasting laws. In a stern warning, the Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to upholding broadcasting regulations to prevent unauthorized operations.
The NCA has been tasked with taking immediate steps to halt all unlawful transmissions and ensure compliance with legal provisions.
According to the Ministry, the recent clampdown is part of an ongoing frequency authorization audit. The government is expected to announce additional directives based on the findings of this review.
The Ministry also urged all media outlets and radio stations to strictly comply with their licensing conditions to avoid facing similar enforcement actions.
The twin directives—shutting down Gumah FM over national security concerns and cracking down on unauthorized stations—highlight the government’s ongoing efforts to regulate the media space while balancing security imperatives with press freedom.
Media rights advocates may scrutinize the measures, questioning whether they infringe on press freedoms or are necessary interventions to curb inflammatory broadcasting.
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