The National Communications Authority (NCA) has been ordered to reopen Salt FM by President Akufo-Addo in response to a petition filed by the Agogo Traditional Council.
According to a notice published by the NCA, the radio station, which is owned by well-known businessman Ohene Kwame Frimpong, was shut down on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, for neglecting to renew its authorization.
Following the radio station’s closure, a few Agogo locals protested the NCA’s action in the streets.
Additionally, there were claims that the NCA’s decision may have been influenced by Asante Akim North MP Andy Appiah-Kubi, who allegedly intends to launch a rival radio station. He refuted these claims.
“Over sixty-five (65) towns and villages depend heavily on Salt FM 95.9MHz for information,” according to a letter signed by Nana Akuoko Sarpong, the Omanhene of the Agogo Traditional Area, and copied to President Akufo-Addo. As a result, the letter said, Salt FM 95.9MHz should be allowed to continue operating while steps are taken to address its challenges.
Below is the Agogo Traditional Council’s full letter:
I write to your high office to humbly request your intervention to direct the National Communication Authority (NCA) to reopen Salt FM 95.9MHz.
On Tuesday, February 6, 2024 the NCA closed down Salt FM 95.9MHz. in Agogo due to the FM Station’s refusal to renew their license on time.
It is understood based on the information I received from the management of the station that the license in question expired on Saturday, December 23, 2023.
I therefore plead your honorable office to be considerate and allow Salt FM 95.9MHz to operate while they take positive steps to renew their license within the shortest possible time.
The Agogo Traditional Area is made up of over sixty-five (65) towns and villages. This request is necessitated by the current adverse effects being suffered by the people within the over sixty-five (65) towns and villages who depend heavily on Salt FM 95.9MHz for information.
Salt FM 95.9MHz over the years has been key in fostering community and national development dialogues within Agogo and neighbouring communities and the dissemination of information. This media station has also been a key development partner of the Agogo Traditional Council, and its continuous closure disturbs the communication grid between my beloved Traditional Area, it’s adjoining towns and villages and the rest of the country since almost all of the over sixty-five (65) towns and villages are dependant on Salt FM 95.9MHz for news, entertainment and other important information.
After my engagement with the management of Salt FM, they have promised to rectify all infractions and to take positive steps to renew their license and any other such requirements before the end of the first quarter of 2024 (i.e. before the end of March 2024).
I therefore humbly request that you intervene and direct the National Communication Authority (NCA) to reopen Salt FM 95.9MHz and allow them the opportunity to rectify every paper work for ratification. I count on your unwavering cooperation.
