Liberia: Community radio station closed down

Following a management dispute, SMILE FM, a community radio station based in Zwedru, a north eastern-town, about 643 kilometres from Monrovia, the police on February 20, 2008 closed down the station.

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)’s correspondent reported that the Acting Superintendent of police in the area, Tarley Dweh and his Commander stormed the premises and closed the station at about 12 midday.

The station’s Advisory Board had in January suspended the Station’s Manager, Victor Gbeyeah following a recommendation of a committee that probed the station. The committee’s report indicated that Gbeyeah had misappropriated funds of the station.

Gbeyeah rejected the committee’s findings and complained to the local authorities.

The MFWA correspondent said for fear of losing their influence on the station, the authorities dissolved the Board which had been constituted by the community.

Set up in the year 2000 by citizens of Grand Gedeh County, SMILE FM had been the main source of information for the community.

Prof. Kwame Karikari

Executive Director

MFWA

Tel: 233 21 242470

Fax: 233 21 221084

Email : [email][email protected]

Website : www.mediafound.org