The Executive Director of the Media Foundation for West Africa, Sulemana Braimah says the directive for Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM and TV to shut down amounts to censorship.
The media outlet has been ordered to shut down following comments made by the founder of the United Progressive Party, Akwasi Addai Odike on the platform.
Mr. Braimah argued that the order forms part of attempts to muzzle the independence of the media house in question.
“It is a worrying development, and it is an act of censorship being imposed by the traditional authorities on the radio station. In other words, when the radio station or media organization in that jurisdiction errs, traditional authorities will say ‘we have the power and authority to shut you down’,” he explained on Eyewitness News.
Odike incurred the wrath of the Kumasi Traditional Council following comments he made against chiefs, questioning their role in the fight against illegal mining activities in the Ashanti Region.
“I do not seem to fathom any legal provision under which a traditional authority can say we are shutting down a radio station.”
