MFWA: NCA’s action against Radio Gold, Radio XYZ, others is to muffle pro-opposition media

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has described the National Communications Authority’s (NCA) shutting down of some pro-opposition radio stations as “arbitrary and capricious.”

Though the foundation is in support of attempts to enforce the law, it was important to point out in all cases where states have sought to repress sections of the media.

This was contained in a statement signed and issued by Suleimana Braimah, Executive Director of MFWA.

It also condemned the Authority’s use of armed police to shut down the stations, Radio Gold, Radio XYZ and others on May 10 and said use of armed police officers for conduct of exercise was typical of how authorities in repressive regimes would always seek to muffle pro-opposition media.

The manner in which the radio stations were shut down could have been justified if the stations had been notified to shut down had been recalcitrant in complying with such orders. The foundation joined Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to demand from the NCA a full publication of the authorisation status of all radio stations in the country.

“On the need for transparency, we urged NCA to publicise details of all stations in default based on 2017 FM spectrum audit that was conducted.

“While MFWA will fully support any action intended to enforce regulations governing allocation and utilisation of frequencies, the communication regulator’s action in relation to radio stations can be described as opaque, arbitrary and capricious.

“Both Radio XYZ and Radio Gold were among the list of authorised FM stations as of last quarter of 2018, at what point did the stations become unauthorised? A vast number of radio stations have not renewed their licenses since acquisition, if stations which have not renewed their licenses have not been shut down, why penalise some and leave others?

“NCA has not been transparent in consequential actions being taken following their audit. While the foundation supports any efforts by regulators that operators comply with licensing requirements, we urge such regulatory bodies not to abuse their power by engaging in acts that may suggest selectivity and discrimination in enforcing laws,” the statement said. –citinewsroom.com