Gumah FM is taking steps to challenge its recent shutdown, with plans to petition the National Media Commission (NMC) after the Ministry of Communication ordered the station’s closure.
On February 19, 2025, the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations shut down several media outlets, including Gumah FM, for operating without proper frequency authorization. The ministry also cited allegations that the station’s broadcasts contributed to inciting violence in Bawku, a town grappling with ongoing conflict.
Speaking to Citi News on February 20, Nurudeen Gumah, the station’s General Manager, said the first step would be to contact the National Communications Authority (NCA) to get clarity on the reasons behind the closure. If the response isn’t satisfactory, Gumah FM plans to escalate the matter to court.
“We’re going to write to the NCA to find out the exact reason for our shutdown, and we’ll also petition the National Media Commission to look into it. If we’re not satisfied with that, then we’ll have no choice but to go to court,” Gumah explained.
The station’s management has strongly rejected the closure, calling it politically motivated. They’ve demanded that the Ministry of Communication provide evidence of any wrongdoing.
“They just gave us a letter shutting us down without providing any evidence. If they think something we broadcast is inciting violence, they should show us that specific evidence. We believe this is either a political witch hunt or an attempt to silence Gumah FM,” said Gumah.
Source:TheDotNews