Free Media Vanguard Threatens Demo Over Closure Of FM Stations

Free Media Vanguard, a civil pressure group has vowed to embark on a street march in protest of what it says is the attempt by political authority to suppress media freedom in the country.

The group says it will first engage the diplomatic community on Tuesday, May 14 then go on the protest march on Wednesday, May 15.

The Group's series of actions come on the back of the closure of five pro-opposition radio stations in Accra; Radio Gold and Radio XYZ, Ahafo Region; Nananom FM and Genesis FM as well as Sekpele FM at Likpe in the Oti Region.

The National Communications Authority (NCA) has insisted that the closures are due to non-compliance with the laid down licence regulations.

But Convener of Free Media Vanguard, Prince Minka who is the host of Radio XYZ's morning show, tells Citi News that their actions will help the public understand the exigency of the time.

“Getting the public involved, and getting them to hear our side of the story will give them a better appreciation of the kind of times that we are in where it appears the political authority is using state institutions to suppress freedom. Beyond what happened to Radio XYZ and Radio Gold, there are other instances that point to that particular direction.”

He said the protest is non-political and the group will also petition Parliament over the matter.

The group on Friday held a vigil at the forecourt of Radio Gold, Lartebiokorshie in Accra.

Mr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Sylvester Mensah, Okudzeto Ablakwa, CEO of Radio Gold, James Agyenim Boateng, Head of News at XYZ, Eric Ahianyo, President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Affail Monney, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor of the Insight newspaper among others took turns to address participants at the vigil on Friday.

CEO of Radio Gold, Agyenim Boateng described the NCA's action as “unprecedented in the history of Ghana.”

—citinewsroom