TMPC officials criticised for shutting down TV, Radio station of M.Y Ventures in Kumasi 

A regulatory shutdown involving M.Y Ventures in Kumasi has exploded into a major confrontation, with management of Caesar TV and Caesar Radio 103.1MHz accusing the Traditional Medicine Practice Council (TMPC) of unlawfully disrupting their media operations.

The TMPC on Tuesday closed down the main premises of M.Y Ventures, a natural health centre and dealer in Chinese food supplements, reportedly after the company failed to renew its operational licence.

Officials of the Council are said to have cited provisions of the Traditional Medicine Practice Act, 2000 (Act 575) and the Council’s regulatory guidelines in taking the action.

But the move has triggered anger from management of Caesar Media, which operates from same premises.

At a press conference in Kumasi on Wednesday, Gabby Akwasi Adomako, Operations Manager of Dr. Caesar Media, described the situation as unacceptable, insisting that the media organisation which operates within same premises has no outstanding matter with the TMPC.

According to him, he arrived at the premises on Tuesday and was shocked to discover that the facility had been locked, effectively preventing the television and radio stations from operating.

Mr. Adomako questioned the basis for shutting down a media organisation over a regulatory matter involving another entity.

“We don't owe TMPC and we don't have any issues with them. TMPC has no authority to lock entry to our station.”

He maintained that Caesar TV and Caesar Radio have their own regulatory framework and dealings with the appropriate media authorities, particularly the National Media Commission, and have not breached any TMPC regulation.

The Operations Manager warned that the continued closure would not only disrupt broadcasting but also cause significant financial losses to the organisation.

He consequently issued a strong demand for the facility to be reopened immediately.

“We have given TMPC up to today to open up the facility because the inaction has seriously affected us. We are unable to operate,” he said.

Mr. Adomako further warned that management would pursue financial compensation for losses allegedly suffered if the closure continues.

“We will charge them for every financial loss caused to us if they fail to open our station for us to operate.”

The confrontation has now widened the controversy surrounding the TMPC's action against M.Y Ventures, with Caesar Media insisting that its television and radio operations should not be caught up in the licensing dispute.

Management says it expects the Council to urgently resolve the matter and allow Caesar TV and Caesar Radio 103.1MHz to return to the airwaves.