Wontumi TV has apologized to President John Dramani Mahama, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) and the public after one of its presenters falsely alleged that the President had a hand in the recent military helicopter crash.
In a statement on August 12, the station’s management described the on-air comments by Akyemkwaa Nana Kofi Asare on August 9 as “inappropriate, unfounded, and contrary to our values of professionalism, accuracy, and fairness in broadcasting.”
Wontumi TV, owned by Ashanti Regional NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi), stressed that the remarks did not reflect its editorial policy and were made without evidence.
“As a responsible media house, we deeply regret the distress and reputational harm this may have caused to the President, the NDC, and the affected families,” the statement said.
Management promised disciplinary action against the presenter and said editorial guidelines had been reinforced to ensure all content is based on verified facts and credible information.
The apology comes as the National Communications Authority (NCA) suspends three Wontumi Multimedia stations — 95.9 FM in Accra, 101.3 FM in Kumasi and 101.3 FM in Takoradi — for breaching broadcasting regulations.
The NCA cited unauthorised use of Studio-to-Transmitter Link (STL) frequencies and operations from unapproved transmitter sites. The suspension follows the expiry of a 30-day grace period granted by President Mahama for defaulting stations to fix violations.
SOURCE: Channelonenewsonline
