Kumasi-based Oyerepa FM has resumed operations after temporal closure on the orders of the Kumasi Traditional Council.
On Thursday, 25 August 2022, the traditional council asked managers of Oyerepa FM/TV managers to temporarily suspend operations and apologize to the Manhyia Palace after Mr. Akwasi Addai Odike ‘defamed’ chiefs in the Ashanti Region.
The founder of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Akwasi Addai Odike, had accused some chiefs in the Ashanti Region of engaging in illegal mining, a comment the chiefs described as distasteful and disrespectful.
The council led by the Bantamahene, Baffour Owusu Amankwatia VI, said, “we are demanding that the media house render an unqualified apology to us. We want them to use the appropriate channel in doing so. Also, the media house should temporarily halt its operations until the pending issues are resolved.”
Many have condemned the directive to halt the station’s operations.
The National Media Commission, Media Foundation for West Africa, private legal practitioners, and other civil society groups have raised concerns.
The NMC had hinted at resolving the impasse.
In the latest development, Oyerepa FM has been pardoned by the Traditional Council.
The attackers vandalized the UPP office, located behind a police training school in Kumasi.