Ghana’s Kumasi Traditional Council Orders Oyerepa FM and TV to Suspend Operations

The Kumasi Traditional Council in the Ashanti Region of Ghana has ordered Oyerepa FM and TV to suspend operations from Friday, August 26, 2022, after accusing the station of providing a platform for politician and businessman Akwasi Addai Odike to malign the traditional chiefs.

During an interview on Oyerepa FM, Odike, a former presidential candidate, accused the chiefs of turning a blind eye to illegal mining, which he claimed was destroying their lands and water bodies. In response, the traditional council described his comments as unfounded, disrespectful, and defamatory, leading to his banishment from their jurisdiction on August 20, 2022.

Following this, the council summoned the station’s management and directed them to halt broadcasting temporarily, despite the station issuing a formal apology.

While radio moderators are expected to regulate content to prevent offensive or culturally inappropriate remarks, the interview’s audio recording reportedly shows the moderator attempting to stop Odike when his comments became controversial. The station also changed the topic when he persisted, indicating efforts to manage the situation.