MFWA warns of political bias in radio station shutdowns, calls for regulatory reforms

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has raised concerns over the government’s recent shutdown of seven private radio stations, warning that the move threatens press freedom and media pluralism.

The closures, ordered by Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, affected six stations cited for operating without valid frequency authorizations and Bawku-based Gumah FM, which was shut down on national security grounds. The government insists the action was lawful and necessary to enforce broadcasting standards.

However, the MFWA argues that the decision lacks transparency and risks political interference in media regulation. In a statement on Wednesday, the media watchdog emphasized that “any intervention in the broadcasting regulation domain by politicians raises suspicions of possible political targeting and favouritism.”

A key concern for the MFWA is the handling of Gumah FM’s closure, noting that such matters should fall under the independent National Media Commission (NMC) rather than government officials.

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“While the accusations may be tenable, we cannot allow a ‘tribunal’ of partisan political players such as the sector minister, the Regional Minister, the Director General of the NCA, the National Security Coordinator, among partisan persons, to prosecute, while being themselves the complainants,” the MFWA stated.

The group insists that if national security concerns were a factor, the evidence should have been presented to the NMC, which could then recommend a shutdown if justified.

To protect press freedom, the MFWA is calling for urgent reforms to transfer broadcasting regulatory authority from the National Communications Authority (NCA) to the NMC. It warns that continued government control over licensing could be used to silence dissenting voices.

“The MFWA fears that if this trend is entrenched, critical broadcast stations can be shut down… for political reasons,” the statement cautioned.

The latest warning adds to growing concerns about restrictions on independent journalism in Ghana, with multiple media shutdowns recorded under the Nana Akufo-Addo administration since 2017.