Radio Gold, XYZ Shutdown: Okudzeto Ablakwa Salutes, Celebrates Ex-Prez Kufuor

Member of Parliament for North Tongu constituency, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has applauded former president John Agyekum Kufuor for upholding media freedom during his administration.

The commendation comes on the back of the National Media Commission’s closure of Accra-based Radio Gold and Radio XYZ both pro-opposition National Democratic Congress stations.

The NCA said the two stations are among many radio stations operating without valid authorisations.

In a Facebook, Mr Ablakwa said: “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.”


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