The National Communications Authority (NCA) has announced that some four radio stations in Bawku, Upper East Region, were shut down on Saturday, February 24, 2024, over issues of security.
The radio stations are Bawku FM, Source FM, Zahra FM, and Gumah FM.
The commission indicated that the decision to shut down the radio stations follows the recommendations of the Upper East Regional Security Council, and the advice of the Ministry of National Security that the operations of the said radio stations and the incendiary utterances of their panelists/presenters have contributed to the escalation of the Bawku conflict, leading to loss of lives and property in Bawku and its environs.
As a result, the NCA has invoked its powers to shut down the stations in accordance with Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775) which provides that, “The Authority may suspend or revoke a license or a frequency authorisation where the suspension or revocation is necessary because of national security or is in the public interest.”
“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,” the statement read.