The National Communication Authority (NCA), on February 24, 2024, announced the closure of 4 radio stations in the Bawku Municipality of the Upper East Region.
The decision to close down Bawku FM, Source FM, Zahra FM and Gumah FM operating in the area was arrived at following recommendations by the Regional Security Council, and on the advice of the Ministry of National Security.
The operations of the radio stations and the alleged incendiary utterances of their panellists and presenters are said to have inflamed tensions in the area, contributing to the escalation of the conflict.
“This follows the recommendations of the Upper East Regional Security Council, and on the advice of the Ministry of National Security that the operations of the said FM stations and the incendiary utterances of their panellists/presenters have contributed to the escalation of the Bawku conflict, leading to loss of lives and property in Bawku and its environs,” it explained.
As part of efforts to douse tensions in the area especially ahead of the December polls , the NCA invoked Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) which clothes it with the authority to suspend or revoke a license or a frequency authorization in safeguarding national security or in the public interest.
In a statement announcing the closure of the radio stations, the NCA affirmed its resolve to continue working with stakeholders in the execution of its mandate.
It, therefore, called on them to adhere to the tenets and regulations governing the communications industry in carrying out their activities.
“The NCA will continue to work with all relevant stakeholders to execute its mandate as set out by law and calls on stakeholders to adhere to the tenets and regulations governing the communications industry”.
