The Government of Ghana has ordered the immediate shutdown of Gumah FM, a radio station based in the Upper East Region town of Bawku.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Communication, the immediate closure of the station was due to rising security concerns.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations announced the decision following urgent recommendations from the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC).
The directive comes after an emergency meeting held on February 11, where REGSEC reviewed recent security developments in Bawku and the surrounding areas of the North East Region.
The release stated that intelligence reports indicated that Gumah FM has reportedly been used as a platform to incite violence and disrupt public order, exacerbating tensions in the region.
This will be at least the second time the Bawku-based radio station has been shut down over incitement of violence allegations.
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In February 2024, Gumah FM was shut down, along with three other radio stations in Bawku, by the National Communications Authority (NCA). They were later allowed to reopen after satisfying some recommendations made by the authority.
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Below is the full statement from the Ministry of Communications.
