PRESS CENSORSHIP Begins As NCA Boss Closes Down Radio Station

The long speculated fears that the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP)’s discomfort with dissenting media has claimed one more victim as the National Communications Authorities (NCA) Chief Executive Officer, Joe Anokye, has ordered the immediate closure of Radio Tongu.
 
In an intercepted letter dated February 5, 2020, and addressed to the bemused management of the radio station, Joe Anokye claims the closure was on grounds of “National Security”.
 
“Following investigations into various petitions received on the issue, the NCA hereby suspends the operations of Radio Tongu with immediate effect on the grounds of National Security and in the public interest,” Anokye dished out the closure while quoting Article 775.
 
“Radio Tongu is directed to cease operations of the FM Radio Station with immediate effect. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the arrest and prosecution of the directors of Radio Tongu,” Anokye warned.
 
The latest tactics of the NCA is coming after a string of media targeting that eerily affects only organisations perceived to be dissenting of the Akufo Addo administration.
 
While the NCA is targeting spectrum holders, the Minister of Communication, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has hinted on a resolve to clampdown on Ghanaian social media in the guise of cybersecurity legislations.
 
The current New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration that appointed Joe Anokye and Mrs Ekuful has earned an unenviable reputation of brutally going after journalists and media organisations that appear dissenting.
 
The brutal crackdown has led to the assassination of one journalist-Ahmed Hussein-Suale and death threats issued to several others.
 
Tongu Region is located in the political stronghold of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).