Gumah FM, in Bawku Municipality of the Upper East Region has been shut down with immediate effect due to urgent national security concerns.
The Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC) raised these concerns after reviewing recent security developments in Bawku and parts of the North East Region.
Intelligence reports according to a statement from the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, “Gumah FM was being used to incite violence, disrupt public order, and escalate tensions in the region”.
This led to the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations directing the shutdown of the station.
The shutdown is in accordance with Section 13(0)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775), which empowers the National Communications Authority (NCA) to suspend or revoke frequency authorisations in the interest of national security, public order, or the public interest.
As a result of the shutdown, Gumah FM Station must cease all operations immediately. Additionally, ongoing monitoring will be implemented to prevent the establishment of alternative platforms that may be used to propagate violence or further destabilize the region.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations however urged all media entities to operate responsibly and adhere to their frequency authorisation conditions.
The statement added, that Government remains committed to safeguarding national security, public safety, and the rule of law. Notably, this is not the first time a radio station in Bawku has been shut down due to national security concerns.
