‘If only I could speak to my audience one last time’ – Broadcaster at defunct Radio Gold cries

Amadu Muftaw broke down while he mimicked what used to be his career during a period which can now be described as the good old days.

This interview would be the first time the sports presenter spoke into the host microphone, almost a year after the closure of Radio Gold, only that this time, his transmission was limited to the four walls of the studio.

He could not hold back the anguish and memories of time shared with his audience, putting his God-given talent to use. He was on air when this drastic action was taken by the National Communications Authority in 2019.

“Radio Gold is going off any moment from now,” was all he heard as his colleague barged into the studio while he was on live radio, to give him a heads-up.

He didn’t even get the chance to sign off the show, to this day.

At that point he knew his future as a sports broadcaster was going to be truncated.

As Ghana joined the rest of the world to mark World Radio Day, JoyNews’ Emefa Nancy Dzradosi visited the defunct facility, now characterised by empty seats in dark rooms and gadgets rendered faulty due to months of inactivity.

Radio Gold was part of stations across the country including Radio XYZ in Accra, that was shut down by the National Communications Authority in May 2019, as part of moves to clamp down on radio station operating without what they describe as valid authorisation.

Nine months down the line, Amadu Muftaw is yearning to get back to work.

But he is not alone. Other colleagues, from show hosts to security men, need the facility up and running to help put their passion to play, revamp their careers and resume their roles as breadwinners of their families.

JoyNews’ Emefa Nancy Dzradosi tours the dusty corridors of Radio Gold and reports.