Oman FM Protests Jamming

The management of Kencity Media has protested what it regards as the illegal jamming of the transmissions of Net 2 TV, Oman FM and Ash FM.

The company had earlier petitioned the National Communication Authority (NCA) in a letter dated 26th November 2012.

“In reference to our letter to the National Communication Authority (NCA) of which a copy is attached) on the illegal jamming and interferences on NET 2 TV, I would like to inform you that it has been extended to Oman FM and Ash FM as well.”

The illegal jamming, which started with Net 2 TV, is now affecting Oman FM and Ash FM in Kumasi

Stella Wilson, Chief Executive Officer of Kencity Media, author of the correspondence which has been copied all foreign embassies and media houses, disclosed that the situation was aggravated during the electioneering period which, she added, “deprived a good number of Ghanaians who depend on us from getting the needed information”.

Given the company’s profile as a business entity with financial obligations both to government and clients, the Chief Executive Officer asked the NCA “to investigate and rectify this problem as soon as possible. In the interest of fairness, equity and justice, we wait for a quick response”.

Listeners of Oman and Ash FM were denied their favourite programmes during the electioneering campaign, a situation which has extended even beyond the period under review.

The NCA, the regulatory body for radio frequencies, has denied being behind the jamming of the transmissions.

Political commentators have expressed worry about what for them is an unfair treatment of Oman FM whose transmissions do not challenge national security interest, considering what for them is the dangerous operations of a pro-NDC radio station. “This radio station during the 2008 elections called on NDC supporters to pick every available weapon and head for the Electoral Commission. If this was not inciting, then the jamming of Oman FM transmissions is condemnable,” an anonymous listener of the radio station said.

The ‘Boiling Point’ programme of the radio station which is hooked onto by sister radio stations across the country is one of the most followed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Kencity was established by Kennedy Ohene Agyapong, MP for Assin North.