Voice of America (VOA), a U.S. government-funded international broadcaster, has ceased operations in several countries, including Nigeria and Ghana.
This shutdown is a direct consequence of funding cuts initiated by President Donald Trump’s administration.
The implications of this decision are profound, particularly for regions where access to reliable news sources is limited.
Established during World War II, VOA was initially created to counter Nazi propaganda and later evolved to provide news coverage during the Cold War.
Over the decades, it has become a crucial source of information for millions in regions with restricted press freedoms, particularly in Africa where many rely on radio broadcasts due to low literacy rates and limited internet access.
In Nigeria alone, VOA’s Hausa-language service reached tens of millions of listeners, providing not just news but also educational content on health issues like HIV and malaria. The service was particularly vital in northern Nigeria and surrounding areas where alternative media options are scarce.
In March 2025, Trump signed an executive order that significantly reduced funding for the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM), which oversees VOA among other broadcasters. This order mandated that these agencies operate at minimal levels required by law. As a result, all full-time staff at VOA were placed on administrative leave, effectively halting their operations.
Local stations began broadcasting music instead of news reports as they transitioned away from regular programming.
The abrupt cessation of services left many listeners without access to critical information about local and international events.
The shutdown has had repercussions for audiences who depend on VOA for accurate reporting. Part of the consequences are loss of reliable news, as many listeners expressed concern over being cut off from essential news sources.
For instance, Moussa Jaharou from Niger highlighted how the lack of international news leaves communities vulnerable to misinformation.
Also, the cessation of health-related broadcasts is particularly alarming given the ongoing public health challenges in these regions. Programs that addressed diseases like malaria and HIV have been abruptly halted.
Equally, in areas prone to conflict and violence, such as northern Nigeria, the absence of independent journalism exacerbates isolation from critical information networks.
The dismantling of VOA represents not just a loss for African media but also signals a retreat from U.S. commitments to support democracy and free press globally.
Critics argue that this move undermines America’s soft power and allows authoritarian regimes to fill the void left by U.S.-funded media outlets.
Reports indicate that state-run media in countries like China and Russia have celebrated these cuts as they see it as an opportunity to expand their influence without competition from independent sources like VOA.
The closure of Voice of America’s services in Nigeria, Ghana, and other nations due to funding cuts under Trump’s administration marks a main setback for press freedom and access to reliable information in regions already facing challenges related to governance and civil liberties. The long-term effects could hinder democratic processes and exacerbate public health crises across affected areas.
