In accordance with a directive from the Kumasi Traditional Council, Oyerepa FM closes down

Oyerepa FM, a radio station in Kumasi, shut down this morning.

This is in response to the Kumasi Traditional Council’s directive to shut down the media outlet until further notice.

The Council’s Acting President, Baffuor Amankwatia VI, who is the Bantamahene, made the announcement when a team from Oyerepa FM and TV appeared before the Traditional Council to offer an apology over remarks made by Akwasi Addai ‘Odike’ against Manhyia on their network.

The Traditional Chiefs in the Ashanti Region came under fire from Odike, a guest on a political talk show on Oyerepa FM, for failing to combat illegal mining.

He accused the Chiefs of aiding in galamsey since they have looked on unconcerned while forests and water bodies are destroyed.

The politician/businessman vowed to organize a large-scale youth protest against Manhyia if the galamsey threat persisted.

Odike was prohibited from stepping foot at Manhyia as a result of the Kumasi Traditional Council’s outrage at this comment and its declaration that it constituted a form of rebellion against Asanteman.

When speaking to the delegation from Oyerepa FM and TV, Baffuor Amankwatia VI said “You gave Odike the platform to say all that he said without caution. If you want us to accept your apology and show remorse, then announce to your listeners that you’ve erred and apologize.”

“Again, if you want Manhyia to give you hearing, then you have to close down your radio station from Friday, August 26 until the pending issue is resolved. If not, we won’t take it lightly when you appear before us again,” he added.

In order to discuss the aforementioned comments, the Council on Thursday invited the management of Oyerepa FM and TV to the Manhyia Palace.

The host of the talk program where the comments were made, the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Programs, and other employees all spoke on behalf of the media outlet.

On Monday, some unidentified armed men broke into the UPP’s Ashanti Region headquarters and damaged the building.

Police in the Ashanti Region are currently looking into the incident from Monday.

Source: Ghanatodayonline.com