Accra’s popular radio station, Citi 97.3 FM, marks its 20th anniversary today, November 4, but the celebrations are muted as the company grapples with internal friction, financial strains, and employee discontent.
Once a pioneering voice in Ghana’s media landscape, Citi FM, owned by Omni Media, now faces challenges that threaten its reputation and staff morale.
Founded in 2004 by Ghanaian businessman Nick Amarteifio, widely known as “Papa Nick,” Citi FM quickly became renowned for its blend of news, music, and community-driven programming. Yet, as the station reached its 20-year milestone, it has been overshadowed by a rift between Amarteifio and Samuel Attah-Mensah, or “Sammens,” the long-serving manager who helped propel Citi FM to its current standing.
The tension reportedly centers on ownership stakes after the launch of Citi TV – now rebranded as Channel One TV – which was established as a new branch under the Citi FM banner.
“Management rarely communicates clearly with us anymore,” shared a staff who wished to remain anonymous, describing how the feuding at the top has spilled over into workplace morale. “Our work is meant to serve the community, but lately, we’re the ones feeling neglected.”
Adding to the tension, the media house is dealing with a severe financial crisis, which has resulted in significant salary delays. According to staff, since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, salaries have not only been paid late but are split into two payments, with half deposited directly into bank accounts and the remainder handed over in cash the following month.
This arrangement not only disrupts their cash flow but also impacts their social security contributions and future pension benefits. Staff also face challenges obtaining visas or loans, as bank statements fail to reflect their full salaries.
“The financial situation is affecting my family deeply,” said one of Citi FM’s on-air personalities. “There are times we have to wait until the middle of the following month just to get what we’re owed. It’s difficult to budget, especially with kids in school.”
Employees’ frustration stems in part from the station’s reputation for addressing social issues and speaking truth to power, which they say contrasts sharply with the lack of accountability from their own management.
“It feels ironic that a station known for its stand on transparency and community welfare is failing its own people,” remarked a reporter who has been with the station for years. “We dedicate ourselves to the station and our audience, but the support we receive in return has been dwindling.”
Today, Citi FM’s milestone will pass without the fanfare usually associated with such anniversaries. Staff say the company hasn’t planned any formal events, in contrast to the celebrations held in previous years. The silence on Citi FM’s 20th anniversary reflects an organisation that finds itself at a crossroads, caught between internal strife, dwindling financial resources, and an increasingly dissatisfied workforce.
As employees continue to push for consistent pay and transparency, questions loom over the future of Citi FM. For many staff members, the anniversary serves not as a celebration but as a somber reminder of the changes – and challenges – that have affected their livelihoods and their trust in a once-promising brand.