NMC, GJA, NPP, govt, PRINPAG, NDC others condemn attack on UTV
Several groups have condemned the storming of United Television (UTV) studio Saturday evening by a group of young men and have demanded that the police investigate the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice.
A group claiming to be affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) allegedly stormed the UTV studios during the live broadcast of the United Showbiz programme on Saturday, October 7.
They agenda was to demand an apology from one of the panelists, Kwame Asare Obeng popularly known as A-Plus.
They claimed the musician-turned-politician had disrespected that party, President Akufo-Addo and Vice-President Dr Bawumia.
Shortly after the show commenced, a disruptive noise obstructed the proceedings leaving viewers surprised and concerned.
The show abruptly went off air, and in its place, commercials filled the screen.
NPP Communications Director, Richard Ahiagbah later came on the show to apologise to UTV and the viewers.
The Ghana Police Service said it arrested 16 people who disrupt normal programming following a complaint from the Despite Media Group and Ministry of
In a statement, the NPP said it did not sanction the said act, and unreservedly apologise to UTV, the programme team and the general public.
The National Media Commission (NMC) condemned the act and said it is working with the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to get to the bottom of the attack on UTV.
The Ministry of Information has condemned attacks in no uncertain terms emphasizing that the right to free expression and the freedom of the media are key pillars of democracy and must be fiercely protected.
The Ministry therefore reported to the matter to the Ghana Police Service to intervene in the incident
“The Ministry condemned in no uncertain terms any unauthorised entry into media organizations, in protest at media content, or interference with media work.
“The right to free expression and the freedom of the media are key pillars of our democracy and must be fiercely protected”.
The Ministry stands with the police and the courts in the conduct of their duties, it assured.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) condemned the attack and expects the Police to arrest and prosecute the perpetrators expeditiously.
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), condemned the act expressing concern about the continued occurrence of such acts in a country that used to boast proudly of its rankings on global press freedom indexes.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned alleged attacks saying there can be no place for such uncivilized and beastly conduct in a democracy.
The party said press freedom and democratic credentials are under serious attack, and to remain silent in these times is to encourage the triumph of evil.
