The National Media Commission (NMC) has issued a stern warning to 15 television stations, instructing them to refrain from broadcasting content deemed inappropriate. The NMC emphasized that severe consequences would follow if the stations failed to rectify their actions promptly.
These TV stations, including 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, were reported by the public for airing content that violated media ethics, Ghanaian cultural norms, traditions, and standards.
In a statement released on Thursday, the NMC revealed that the reported incidents resulted from a collaborative effort with the National Communications Authority (NCA) to identify and address content-related shortcomings. Of the 318 reported incidents, 224 were related to money-doubling, 83 to money rituals, 24 to fake lotteries, 18 to occultic practices, and 13 to pornography. Other complaints involved fake loan schemes and fraudulent attempts to extract money.
The NMC explicitly cautioned the mentioned TV stations to cease and desist from the objectionable activities, emphasizing potential severe consequences for non-compliance. The commission pledged to update the public soon on its decisions regarding the mentioned TV stations.
Furthermore, the NMC announced that it would soon release a decision regarding the matter involving Onua TV/Radio. In a press statement dated November 14, 2023, the NMC issued a final warning to Onua Radio/TV and Captain Smart over an inflammatory broadcast.
Captain Smart was accused of directly insulting the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS) and other Commanders of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) by referring to them as “beasts” in a recent broadcast. The NMC criticized Captain Smart for alleging embezzlement by these officers without providing evidence, describing the broadcast as “dangerous” and “unprofessional.” Notably, the NMC had warned Onua Radio/TV about promoting violence against the state in December 2022, but the station had not taken corrective measures.
Onua Radio/TV and Captain Smart were given until November 19, 2023, to:
Withdraw insults and apologize to the CDS and commanders.
Apologize to the Ghanaian public for the use of vulgar language.
Implement measures to curb the station’s dangerous behavior and enhance regulatory compliance.
