Lawmaker for North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region, has commended former President John Agyekum Kufuor for superintending over a political regime that promoted ‘Media Freedom’.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s tribute to the former President comes on the back of the shut down of some radio stations believed to be affiliated to the National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The National Communications Authority (NCA) last Thursday, shut down two pro-opposition FM stations, Radio Gold and Radio XYZ which are critics of the current government.
Though failure by the stations to renew their expired licenses has been given as the reason for their closure, the NCA is under attack for what critics described as an exercise that endangers media freedom.
The sector regulator has, however, vowed to clampdown on all radio across the country without restrictions to ensure “unauthorized” ones are taken off air.
Wading into the saga, the MP for North Tongu praised former President Kufuor for demonstrating good leadership during his tenure and allowed the affected FM stations to operate despite their “harsh” criticism of his government.
“What the chronology further reveals is that the John Agyekum Kufuor led Government had every legal basis to in a similar fashion carry out a Gestapo-style shut down of Radio Gold during the eight years the NPP was in power, and which period Radio Gold was still an ardent critic of his Government, however, President John Agyekum Kufuor’s Administration just like its successor Prof. Mills and President Mahama Administrations, refused to do what President Akufo-Addo’s Administration has done,” he stated in a post of his Facebook timeline.
Mr. Ablakwa believes the NCA action against the both Radio Gold and XYZ is politically motivated.
He challenged the NCA to publish ” the full status of all radio stations in Ghana if we are to believe that it’s recent actions against Radio Gold and Radio XYZ are not political hatchet jobs.”
Read the full statement below
Kindly indulge me to salute and celebrate His Excellency Former President John Agyekum Kufuor.
According to the NCA’s chronology of Radio Gold’s FM Frequency Authorisation; on 2nd October, 2000 – “The Company’s Authorisation EXPIRED but company did not submit renewal application prior to its expiry.”
What the chronology further reveals is that the John Agyekum Kufuor led Government had every legal basis to in a similar fashion carry out a Gestapo-style shut down of Radio Gold during the eight years the NPP was in power, and which period Radio Gold was still an ardent critic of his Government, however, President John Agyekum Kufuor’s Administration just like its successor Prof. Mills and President Mahama Administrations, refused to do what President Akufo-Addo’s Administration has done.
With great respect, it was the English born American poet, Anne Bradstreet in her 1650 poem titled: ‘Meditations Divine and Moral’ who wrote – “Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge, fitter to bruise than polish.”
I absolutely concur with the GJA, GIBA, the Minority Leader in Parliament and many others that the NCA must publish the full status of all radio stations in Ghana if we are to believe that it’s recent actions against Radio Gold and Radio XYZ are not political hatchet jobs.
President Kufuor, as regards media freedoms – I salute you for using your authority to polish and not to bruise.
May that shining example of tolerance and true believe in press freedom inspire us to defeat the forces of tyranny, ironically, at a time your own party is at the helm of affairs.
By: Kekeli Kuatsenu/awakenewsonline.com
