-As Power Struggle Strikes; As Smile FM Melts Between Two Mangers
By Esau J. Farr
Power struggle is said to have engulfed and suffered Radio Smile FM in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County resulting to the irregular functioning of the community radio station.
According to a State Radio Grand Gedeh County Correspondent in the area, it all started with the alleged forceful removal from office of the manager of the station by an alleged authorized manager (Mark Doru) on the alleged order of the county Superintendent.
It is reported that a man only identified as Mark Doru and his accomplices recently went to Smile FM in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County allegedly asking those working at the station to leaving the station as they (Mark and accomplices) were now in charge of the operation of the station.
Asked about the legality of their planned takeover of the station, Mark allegedly said he was the newly appointed Station Manager of Smile FM and therefore needed to take over the station with immediate effect.
The embattled manager then gave way to the Mark leadership to seek clarity from the County Superintendent who later denied ever having any knowledge about alleged Board Resolution announcing the appointment of new manager for the station.
According to an ELBC correspondent in the county, after the intervention of the Superintendent of Grand Gedeh ordering that the embattled manager along with dismissed or suspended staffs of the station be retained.
The embattled manager of Smile FM has reportedly re-taken over as manager of the station, but with a huge challenge of reconciliation and operational cost for the smooth running of the station.
Meanwhile, the local journalist in the county has quoted Mark as reserving comments on his appointment and subsequent removal from office in less than two weeks.
According to him, since the board of directors of the station which announced his appointment was dissolved, there is no need for him to speak to the press.
The local journalist told ELBC that though the issue of the power struggle is reaching to a logical conclusion, but the issue of reconciliation and effective running of the station remain serious challenges confronting the radio station as it is reported to carry out irregular broadcast on a daily basis due to lack of funding and fuel. TNR
Alphonso Toweh
Has been in the profession for over twenty years. He has worked for many international media outlets including: West Africa Magazine, Africa Week Magazine, African Observer and did occasional reporting for CNN, BBC World Service, Sunday Times, NPR, Radio Deutchewells, Radio Netherlands. He is the current correspondent for Reuters
He holds first MA with honors in International Relations and a candidate for second master in International Peace studies and Conflict Resolution from the University of Liberia.
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