Fifteen television stations have been cautioned by the National Media Commission (NMC) to refrain from broadcasting content that is not deemed appropriate.
The NMC has emphasized that if these stations do not rectify their actions, they will face severe consequences. The public reported these TV stations for showcasing content that is considered unacceptable according to media ethics, Ghanaian culture, traditions, and norms.
The stations in question are Asomafo TV, Adwenpa TV, Eagle TV, Best TV, Energy TV, Diamond TV, X TV, Asomdwie TV, Funny TV, Advice TV, Big TV, Passion TV, Nkabom TV, Seekers TV, and Elephant TV.
The NMC in a statement issued on Thursday, said “For the stations listed above, we hereby serve them notice to cease and desist from those activities otherwise there will be severe consequences.”
The reportage was a result of a collaboration between the Commission and the National Communications Authority (NCA) to identify and address deficiencies in broadcast content. A total of 318 incidents were reported by the public, with 224 incidents involving money-doubling, 83 incidents related to money rituals, 24 incidents of fake lotteries, 18 incidents of occultic practices, and 13 incidents of pornography. The remaining complaints were related to fake loan schemes and fraudulent attempts to extract money from others.
The NMC announced that it will soon provide the public with its decision regarding the listed TV stations. Meanwhile, the commission stated that it will also announce its decision on the matter involving Onua TV/Radio.
In relation to an inciteful broadcast, the NMC issued a final warning to Onua Radio/TV and Captain Smart. In a press statement dated Tuesday, November 14, 2023, the NMC mentioned that Captain Smart had directly insulted the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) by referring to them as “beasts” during a recent broadcast. The NMC further stated that Captain Smart had made claims of embezzlement by these officers without providing any evidence to support his allegations.
The NMC described the broadcast as “dangerous” and “unprofessional.” It also noted that it had warned Onua Radio/TV about promoting violence against the state in December 2022, but that the station had not taken steps to address the issue.
