The National Communications Authority (NCA) has justified its decision to shut down Salt FM, a radio station based in Agogo in the Ashanti Region.
The NCA cited the station’s failure to renew its authorisation despite several reminders.
Following the closure of Salt FM, some residents of Agogo took to the streets on Tuesday in protest to express their discontent.
Some residents suspect political motives behind the closure, pointing to a recent well-attended walk organised by the station owner, Ohene Kwame Frimpong.
Additionally, there have been allegations suggesting that a member of the ruling government, who is allegedly establishing a rival radio station, might have influenced the NCA’s decision.
However, the Ashanti Regional Office of the NCA has debunked claims that there were political motives for the closure of Salt FM.
According to them, the closure of the radio station was not new, as a series of such actions are being carried out across the country.
Although officials at the Kumasi office of the NCA declined to comment on the record, they maintained the closure of Salt FM was in order.
Background
Tensions had already been brewing since Sunday, February 4, when Ohene Kwame Frimpong, the station owner, was barred from organizing a health walk in the community to announce his intention to run as an independent parliamentary candidate in the 2024 elections.
Security personnel intervened, citing a violation of the Public Order Act, alleging that the organizers had not informed the police about the gathering and the planned procession through the streets.
The closure of Salt FM has intensified speculations and discussions in Agogo, with many viewing it as a deliberate attempt to thwart Frimpong’s independent candidacy bid in the upcoming elections.
As of now, the station’s management has not issued an official statement regarding the closure, leaving residents and observers in the community anxious and uncertain about the future of Salt FM.