The Progressive People’s Party has condemned the attack on the United Television live programme dubbed ‘United Showbiz’ on Saturday night, October 7 2023 by suspected members of the ruling New Patriotic Party.
In a statement signed by its National Chairman, Nana Ofori Owusu, the party argued that the attack on the media station last Saturday night undermines Ghana’s democracy.
The party believes the despicable conduct of the sixteen persons was sanctioned by the ruling New Patriotic Party leadership and has called on Ghanaians particularly agents of democracy and rule of law to condemn the unfortunate act.
“The recent attack on United Television (UTV) studios by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) has raised concerns about the state of our fragile democracy and the threat it poses to our security.
This essay condemns the actions of the group, which we believe were sanctioned by the party’s leadership, and calls for a united response to uphold the principles of freedom of speech, rule of law, tolerance, participation, inclusiveness, and equality that are the foundations of our democracy”.
Nana Owusu-Ansah
According to the Progressive People’s Party, the importance of democracy is that, it thrives on dissent and the ability for different voices to be heard, hence when a group feels entitled to control the media and determine what information is broadcasted, it undermines the very essence of democracy and ultimately leads to chaos as well.
The party chastised the New Patriotic Party for instigating the attack and calls on them to refrain from similar actions going forward.
“It is imperative that we call out the NPP as a party and disown their actions. Their inability to uphold the principles of democracy, as demonstrated through this attack, should not be tolerated in our political landscape. Instead, we should encourage free speech to ensure peace, security, and development for our nation”.
Nana Owusu-Ansah
PPP Charges Media To Hold Government Accountable
The Progressive People’s Party (PPP) further charged the media to continue to hold government accountable without fear or favor.
According to Nana Owusu Ansah, the Progressive People’s Party firmly believes in media freedom as a way to consolidate Ghana’s democracy.
He assured Ghanaians that when elected into power, the Progressive Peoples’ Party will provide the media with the necessary support and resources to effectively carry out its role in fostering development and serving the interests of the people.
“The media should not feel threatened by state or party actions aimed at silencing them. It is through a free and independent media that we can ensure transparency, address grievances, and work towards the common good of all citizens. The PPP reiterates its commitment to media freedom and encourages the media to continue holding the government accountable. Together, we can ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for Ghana”.
Nana Owusu-Ansah
The National Chairman of the Progressive Peoples’ Party again reiterated that the attack on the United Television studios by members of the New Patriotic Party is a disgraceful act that undermines Ghana’s democracy and threatens the country’s security as well.
“We must stand united in condemning such actions and upholding the principles of freedom of speech, rule of law, tolerance, participation, inclusiveness, and equality’.
Nana Owusu-Ansah
Some sixteen persons suspected to be affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party invaded the studio of Accra-based United Television during its late-night entertainment programme dubbed ‘United Showbiz’ on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
It is reported that these sixteen persons interrupted the live late-night entertainment show of the station resulting to the discontinuance of the programme for several minutes until the arrival of the Ghana Police Service to restore order.
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