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The shutdown of Salt FM based in the Asante Akyem North District of the Ashanti Region, raises once more, the question of transparency in the enforcement of broadcast license regulations in Ghana.
On Tuesday, February 6, a team from Ghana’s communications regulator, National Communications Authority (NCA), paid a visit to the premises of Salt FM to shut down the facility over failure to renew its authorisation license.
The closure, which is widely perceived to be politically-motivated, triggered an instant demonstration by hundreds of residents. The NCA, however insist that it is only enforcing the licensing regime, adding that it acted after several reminders to the station had been ignored. The Authority said similar actions have been taken against other radio stations across the country.
The station belongs to Ohene Kwame Frimpong, who is planning to run as an independent parliamentary candidate in the 2024 elections. On February 4, security personnel intervened to stop a health walk in the town, which had been organised by Frimpong to announce his bid to contest the December legislative elections. The constituency is currently represented in Parliament by Andy Appiah-Kubi of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).
On February 7, the management of Salt FM held a meeting with the NCA to seek a settlement. While awaiting the NCA’s next move, the station has moved its transmission online.
Meanwhile the Chiefs of Ashante-Akyem Agogo has pleaded with government and the Ghana National Communications Authority (NCA) to reconsider it’s decision.
Speaking to the media in an interview, the chiefs say, the closure of the station has brought a negative impact to the people of Agogo and it envious.
“We are pleading with the government to reconsider it decision and give a hearing to the management of the station.