The government has strongly condemned an attack on Ghana’s most-watched private station, United Television (UTV) during a live show.
A statement released by the information ministry and signed by the minister; Kojo Oppong Nkrumah urged the police to quicken its investigation after about sixteen (16) of the alleged NPP supporters were arrested.
“The right to free expression and the freedom of the media are key pillars of our democracy and must be fiercely protected.” Kojo Oopong Nkruamh said in the statement.
Read below the full statement
The Ministry of Information on Saturday, Oct 7th, 2023, made a report to the Ghana Police Service to intervene in an incident at the Studios of UTV, a private TV station in Accra.
This followed reports to the Media Monitoring Center of the Ministry that a group of persons had entered UTV’s studios, allegedly without authorisation, to express displeasure at the content of a live TV Program.
The police subsequently arrested 16 persons at the premises of UTV, and investigations are currently ongoing.
The Ministry condemns in no uncertain terms any unauthorized 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.
The Ministry wishes to encourage the media, especially broadcast media show hosts and panellists, to do their utmost to help promote national cohesion even as they exercise their fundamental freedoms.
Over 20 ‘Thugs’ Reportedly From NPP Invade UTV Studios…16 Arrested
Over 20 thugs reportedly from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) have invaded the studios of UTV, looking for A-Plus
Kwame Obeng Asare, popularly known as A-Plus on the September 30 edition of the programme described as useless a letter from the NPP calling on the management of UTV to reform the show.
According to the NPP, the programme has become political.
A Plus, in reaction, said the letter was against the independence of the media and went on to rip his copy of the letter saying: “This letter is revolting because we have received calls from people threatening to collapse UTV United Showbiz”
A-Plus must apologize
The thugs who disrupted the show were heard saying “We’re waiting for A-Plus”.
One of them who spoke to producers of the show, said they want A-Plus to render an apology to the party for tearing up the letter.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has arrested 16 persons and are currently assisting in investigations.
“Following a complaint from the Despite Media Group and Ministry of Information that certain people had invaded the studios of U-TV this evening, the Police proceeded to the scene and arrested sixteen (16) persons.
They are currently at the Police Station assisting investigations”.
Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman Addo/peacefmonline.com/ghana
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