Nobyah FM Operations Grounded After Devastating Fire Renders North East Station Non-Functional

Nobyah FM, a prominent broadcasting station in the North East Region and an affiliate of Citi FM, has been forced off the air following a catastrophic fire on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The blaze, which erupted in the early morning hours, completely decimated the station’s studio and all broadcasting equipment, leaving the media house in a state of total loss. The incident reportedly occurred shortly after power was restored following an electricity outage in the area, raising immediate concerns about electrical surges as a potential catalyst for the disaster. This event represents a significant setback for media coverage and information dissemination within the regional community. According to reports, the fire started around 5:00 a.m. and was first spotted by a technician on duty who immediately alerted the Ghana National Fire Service. Despite the station's proximity to the local fire station, the response was hampered by significant logistical challenges. Firefighters arrived at the scene but were reportedly unable to effectively contain the inferno due to inadequate equipment. This delay proved fatal for the station’s physical assets, as the fire quickly consumed the entire studio complex before it could be brought under control, resulting in the total destruction of vital broadcasting infrastructure. The General Manager of Nobyah FM, Yaw Boakye, expressed profound devastation over the incident, confirming that no equipment could be salvaged from the ruins. In an appeal for solidarity, Mr. Boakye called for public support and assistance to help the station resume its essential service to the people of the North East Region. While investigations into the exact cause of the blaze are still ongoing, the management is already exploring options for temporary operations to restore local broadcasting. The loss of Nobyah FM is viewed as a major blow to the local media landscape, as the station served as a critical platform for community engagement and regional news.