, during which recent security developments in Bawku and parts of the North East Region were extensively reviewed){kind=link}
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, has ordered the immediate shutdown of Gumah FM, a radio station based in Bawku, citing pressing national security concerns. This decision follows an emergency meeting held on February 11, 2025, by the Upper East Regional Security Council (REGSEC), during which recent security developments in Bawku and parts of the North East Region were extensively reviewed.
According to a statement released by the Ministry, intelligence reports revealed that Gumah FM had been used as a platform to incite violence, disrupt public order, and escalate tensions in the conflict-prone region. The Ministry noted that the station’s activities posed a significant threat to peace and stability, necessitating swift action to safeguard national security.
The directive to suspend the station’s operations was issued in accordance with Section 13(1)(e) of the Electronic Communications Act, 2008 (Act 775). This provision grants the National Communications Authority (NCA) the power to suspend or revoke frequency authorisations in cases where public interest, public order, or national security is at stake.
“Gumah FM is hereby directed to cease all operations with immediate effect,” the Ministry stated, reinforcing the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the region.
Bawku, a town in the Upper East Region, has been plagued by recurring violence and ethnic tensions in recent years. Authorities have expressed concern that the misuse of media platforms could further fuel unrest and undermine efforts to restore calm.
The Ministry emphasized that the shutdown aligns with the government’s broader efforts to curb the spread of inflammatory content and ensure that media platforms are used responsibly. REGSEC and security agencies in the region are expected to continue monitoring the situation closely.
The decision to shut down Gumah FM is a stark reminder of the critical role media outlets play in shaping public discourse and the responsibilities they bear in fostering peace and unity, particularly in conflict-prone areas.