25th May, 2026
It is with deep disappointment, utter dismay, and absolute revulsion that I read the official statement from SpearFm 91.90MHz, Damongo regarding their deliberate exclusion from covering the recent tour of His Excellency, President John Dramani Mahama, in the Savannah Region.
What transpired over the weekend where a prominent, independent media house was intentionally left stranded while its sister station and other media outlets were chauffeured away is a textbook definition of selective media handling, unfair discrimination, and a direct assault on the freedom of the press.
The Savannah Regional Coordinating Council (RCC) is a public institution funded by taxpayers’ money. It does not belong to an any political party, nor is it the personal property of the Regional Minister, my Uncle Hon. Salisu Be-Awuribe Esq., or his handlers. The office exists to serve all the people of the Savannah Region, and its mandate strictly requires it to work with all local media houses fairly, transparently, and without prejudice.
To have a public servant like Mr. Vicente orchestrate a selective pick-and-choose game, promising a second vehicle that he knew would never arrive is both childish and highly unprofessional. This deliberate sidelining raises serious questions about what the Minister and his handlers are trying to hide. Are they afraid of independent, objective journalism? Are they trying to filter the narrative of the President’s tour so that only handpicked, compliant voices report it?
This unfortunate incident spells out dangerous undercurrents about how our region is currently being managed. This type of political segregation does nothing but mute the diverse, well-meaning voices that possess the goodwill necessary for national development. When you discriminate against a media house simply because they are established by a former government appointee, you are not just hurting the station you are disrespecting the thousands of ordinary citizens, traditional authorities, and civil society members who rely on Spear FM 91.9MHz as their primary source of information.
Historically, the Savannah Region has maintained a culture of equal access for all media houses during presidential visits. The current administration under Uncle Salisu Be-Awuribi Esq. must explain to the people of the region why this healthy tradition is suddenly being weaponized to punish independent journalism.
To the management, staff, and loyal listeners of Spear FM: do not be in despair. Do not let this petty partisan behavior break your spirit. Your decision to stand your ground, remain resolute, and keep your airwaves neutral is a testament to your professionalism. You have shown the region that your integrity cannot be bought or bullied.
Better opportunities lie ahead for Spear FM and all media houses across the Savannah Region. True leadership understands that a free, unhindered press is the bedrock of democracy and local development. Come 2029, under the visionary, fair, and inclusive leadership of Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia as President, we will ensure an environment where no media house is marginalized, no voice is muted, and public state resources are never again used to settle petty political scores.
I demand a full investigation into this incident by the Regional Minister, a formal apology to Spear FM, and an unyielding commitment that this shameful display of discrimination will never happen again in the Savannah Region.
Kanyiti Saburu Kantama
Aspiring Savannah Regional Communications Officer, NPP
0540206233
