The National Communications Authority (NCA) has shut down four FM radio stations in Bawku, Upper East Region, citing issues of National Security.
The four stations that were affected by the decision of the National Communications Authority include Bawku FM, Source FM, Zahra FM, and Gumah FM.
According to the National Communications Authority, its decision is based on the recommendations of the Upper East Regional Security Council and the advice of the Ministry of National Security.
“The National Communications Authority (NCA) wishes to inform the general public that four (4) FM Radio Stations in Bawku, Upper East Region, have been shut down today. The stations are: Bawku FM , Source FM, Zahra FM and Gumah FM”.
National Communications Authority
Citing the recommendations of the Upper East Regional Security Council and the advice of the Ministry of National Security, the National Communications Authority in its press statement indicated that the operations of the four FM stations, coupled with what it described as “incendiary utterances” by their panelists and presenters, significantly contributed to the escalation of the Bawku conflict.
The National Communications Authority emphasized how such escalation, in turn, led to the loss of lives and property in Bawku and its environs.
Furthermore, the National Communications Authority in its statement stated that Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) empowers it to suspend or revoke a license or a frequency authorization where deemed necessary for national security or in the public interest.
According to the National Communications Authority, it thus invoked its powers under Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) to suspend the operations of the four mentioned FM stations.
Calls For Calm And Peace
Moreover, the National Communications Authority in its press statement, emphasized its commitment to working with all relevant stakeholders to fulfill its mandate as outlined by law.
It also called on all stakeholders to adhere to the regulations governing the communications industry.
The move to close down the FM stations comes amid a backdrop of longstanding tensions in Bawku, and the authorities hope that this decision will contribute to restoring calm in the region.
The National Communications Authority’s intervention also underscores the significance of responsible communication in delicate situations, particularly where issues of national security are concerned.
The Bawku Conflict is traced to the historical ethnic and territorial tensions between the Kusasis and Mamprusis in the Bawku municipality of Ghana.
The conflict has heightened in recent times with a tragic shooting incident that took place on Monday, January 22 2024 where gunmen targeted a bus en route to Binduri, which led to the loss of six lives.
The incident followed closely on the heels of an attack on a bus carrying students from the Presbyterian Nurses Training College.
The Municipal Chief Executive for Bawku, Hamza Amadu Zanga, confirmed the incident and recounted the distressing nature of the incident. The cumulative toll from the events led to the death of eleven lives.
It is worth noting that the National Communications Authority, established by an Act of Parliament in December 1996, is the statutory body tasked with licensing and regulating electronic communication activities and services in the country.
The authority operates under the National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769).
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