Players in the media industry have expressed reservation about a directive given by the Kumasi Traditional Council to Oyerepa FM. The Council has requested Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM to stop broadcasting from Friday, August 26, until further notice.
The Council’s Acting President, Baffuor Amankwatia VI, who is the Bantamahene, made the announcement when a team from Oyerepa FM and TV appeared before the Traditional Council to offer an apology over remarks made by founder and leader of United Progressive Party, UPP Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’ about the chiefs on their network.
Director of Media Freedom at the Media Foundation for West Africa, Muheeb Saeed said the Council has no powers to make such a demand. He said there are laud down processes to seek redress when one feels offended about anything in the media. He called on the Council to back down on its demands, whiles also advising Oyerepa to ignore same.
President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association, GIBA Cecil Sunkwa-Mills also shared similar sentiments.
Chiefs in the Ashanti Region came under fire from Odike, a guest on a political talk show on Oyerepa FM, for failing to combat illegal mining. He accused the Chiefs of aiding in galamsey since they have looked on unconcerned while forests and water bodies are destroyed.
The businessman cum politician threatened to lead the youth to stage a massive demonstration against Manhyia if the galamsey menace continues.
The Kumasi Traditional Council was offended by this remark and declared it to be a form of rebellion against Asanteman, hence Odike was banished from stepping at Manhyia.
Baffuor Amankwatia VI who addressed the delegation from Oyerepa FM and TV said “You gave Odike the platform to say all that he said without caution. If you want us to accept your apology and show remorse, then announce to your listeners that you’ve erred and apologize.”
“Again, if you want Manhyia to give you hearing, then you have to close down your radio station from Friday, August 26 until the pending issue is resolved. If not, we won’t take it lightly when you appear before us again,” he added.
The Board of Directors of the media house were in a meeting to consider their appropriate response to the demands from the traditional council. General Manager of the Company Sometimer Otuo Acheampong said they did not have much choice, an indication that they may be complying with the directive to shut down. He however stated that they will be consulting bodies such as the NMC, GIBA and GJA about the way forward.
SOURCE : theGhanaianVoice
