Closure of Wontumi Radio an attempt to silence our grassroots – Ashanti NPP Youth

The Ashanti Regional Youth Wing of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has lashed out at the National Communications Authority (NCA) over the recent closure of three Wontumi Radio stations, describing the action as a “calculated attempt to silence the vibrant voice of our grassroots.”

In a statement signed by the Regional Youth Organiser, Raphael Patrick Sarfo, and issued on Tuesday August 26, the Youth Wing condemned what it sees as a politically motivated move to cripple a media outlet known for giving voice to the party’s grassroots base.

“We strongly condemn this act, which we consider not only a direct attack on media freedom, but also a calculated attempt to silence the vibrant voice of our grassroots,” the statement read.

Wontumi Radio, owned by the Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, operates stations in Kumasi, Accra, and Takoradi. The stations, according to the Youth Wing, have become household names, providing jobs, promoting public discourse, and amplifying ordinary voices.

The National Communications Authority recently ordered the suspension of Wontumi Radio’s operations in Accra (95.9 FM), Kumasi (101.3 FM), and Takoradi (101.3 FM) for regulatory breaches. The NCA cited unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and operation from unapproved transmitter locations.

The authority explained that the stations failed to take corrective action during a 30-day grace period granted by President John Dramani Mahama, which was intended to allow defaulting broadcasters to resolve violations. The enforcement, the NCA said, is in line with Regulation 54 of the Electronic Communications Regulations, 2011 (L.I. 1991).

In total, nine stations, including the three under Wontumi Multimedia, have been suspended under this regulatory drive.

Despite the NCA’s explanation, the Ashanti NPP Youth Wing insists the closures are politically driven. They accuse President Mahama of hypocrisy, recalling his own criticism of station closures during his time in opposition.

“It is ironic and hypocritical that H.E. John Dramani Mahama, who once openly condemned the closure of Radio Gold and other pro-NDC stations during his time in opposition, is today presiding over the closure of Wontumi Radio. What has changed?” the statement asked.

They also condemned the reported arrest and harassment of Akyemkwaa Nana Asare, a presenter at Wontumi Radio and TV, describing it as further evidence of political intimidation and suppression of free speech.

The Youth Wing declared it will not remain silent while what it calls “state-sponsored oppression” unfolds, and urged civil society, democracy advocates, and Ghanaians at large to speak up.

“We will resist every attempt to use state institutions as tools of political witch-hunting and oppression. Ghana’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of partisan interest,” the statement concluded.

The NCA, however, maintains that the enforcement is purely regulatory and not politically influenced, reiterating its commitment to ensuring all broadcasters comply with licensing laws and technical standards.

CitiNewsRoom