Following some attacks by some supposed New Patriotic Party (NPP) youth on UTV studio, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the act, calling it a shameful and dastard attack.
The NDC blamed the government for creating a tyrannical atmosphere that allows such attacks on the media.
According to the NDC, the event was a dent on Ghana’s democracy.
“The NDC has learned with utter disgust, a dastardly attack that was visited on studios of United Television (UTV), last night.
The NDC condemns this shameful act in no uncertain terms, as there can be no place for such uncivilized and beastly conduct in a democracy. Yesterday’s event sets Ghana’s dwindling press freedom fortunes as a country. We in the NDC are deeply worried about the level of intolerance of dissenting views in Ghana today under the tyrannical Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government.”
National Democratic Congress
A group of individuals invaded the studio of UTV and disrupted a live show leaving viewers surprised and concerned. The group was alleged to have threatened the host and guests of the show.
According to the group, they were angered by the tearing of a letter alleged to emanate from the NPP to the general manager of UTV, demanding a reform of the SHOWBIZ show. The group argued that the reform was necessary to allow the NPP to have a representative on the show to defend its position on political issues raised on the show. Hence, the group said their visit was triggered when a panelist tore the letter.
According to them, that was very disrespectful.
The NDC urged the Ghana police service to expedite the investigation into the incident and ensure that all culprits are duly prosecuted.
The NDC accused the NPP of masterminding the incident but the NPP has denied it and said it did not sanction the group.
Richard Ahiagbah, NPP Director of Communications has also condemned the act and assured that the party will cooperate with the police to bring the culprits to book.
“What happened is unfortunate and we condemn it in no uncertain terms. The NPP will not be involved in the case. We will allow the police to go ahead with their investigations and deal with the culprits. I came here to assure you that, the NPP is not against your show in any way or form.”
Richard Ahiagbah
The Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, has also condemned the incident and urged the media to encourage national cohesion.
National Media Commission Condemns The Act
Meanwhile, the National Media Commission (NMC) has expressed concern about reported attacks.
According to the name, the increasing use of violence as a means of addressing grievances against the media and journalists must not be encouraged.
According to George Sarpong, executive secretary of NMC, the act was despicable.
“It is despicable, and we should all work towards protecting the media from similar incidents again. I think we need to be very honest with ourselves that the atmosphere is charging up.
“We are beginning to see elements of concern to us. I think all of us need to work to make sure that journalist can do their work in peace and that is why we are reactivating the process of coordinated mechanisms for the safety of journalists. Within the next couple of weeks, we will be working together with the core stakeholders on this issue.”
George Sarpong
Furthermore, he commended the police for the quick response.
“Once we work on the general concern about protecting journalists, we are also going to work closely with the police but this particular issue is investigated equally and the culprits punished according.
“This specific incidence, we congratulate the police on the quick efforts they have made. We hope that we will all work together and investigate this thoroughly and come to the people who are already in the hands of the police if they are truly responsible for the act, they will be punished according to the law.”
George Sarpong
The police have arrested 16 people to help with investigations.
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