Some 16 young men affiliated with the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP) were arrested in the studios of UTV, delaying the station’s weekend flagship program, United Showbiz.
The irate youth claimed popular political activist and musician A Plus, who is a regular pundit on the show, has shown gross disrespect to the governing party.
In a letter to the managers of the television station, the NPP said the entertainment program has been politicized,
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,” reports Peacefmonline.com.
The leader of the group that invaded the studio on Saturday evening (7 October) said they want the popular highlife singer, A Plus, to apologize for his actions on air.
The police intervened and picked up 16 of the thugs.
“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,” the law enforcement body wrote on Facebook.
Condemnation
The development has been condemned by state agencies and interest groups.
The National Media Commission (NMC) in a statement called on political actors to resort to the right channels to address their grievances.
“The commission is concerned about the increasing use of violence as the preferred method for addressing grievances against the media and journalists. Perpetrators of such crimes must realize that violence does not produce better journalism,” the NMC said in a statement issued on Sunday 8 October 2023.
“This is why the constitution provides anyone who feels aggrieved by the work of the media the opportunity to seek redress through the complaint settlement mechanism of the National Media Commission.
“As we approach the electioneering process for Ghana 2024, it is important for political actors and all Ghanaians to learn that the Ghana we envisage would not be built on the path of violent attacks on journalists,” the executive secretary of the NMC George Sarpong added.
Information Ministry
“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 panelists, to do their utmost to help promote national cohesion even as they exercise their fundamental freedoms”, a statement signed by sector Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah indicated.
Alan
Leader of the Movement for Change, Alan Kyerematen also added his voice to the matter calling for the immediate prosecution of the culprits.
Our Constitution, particularly Article 162, strongly safeguards the independence of the media, and vehemently opposes any interference or harassment based on editorial opinions, views, or content.
I commend the swift response of our law enforcement agencies in addressing this incident. It is of utmost importance that we protect and uphold the media’s independence and hold those responsible for this attack accountable.
I call for the immediate and just prosecution of all individuals involved, as we must resoundingly convey that such actions have no place in our democratic society.
Let us always remember that a free and independent media is the cornerstone of a thriving democracy. It is our collective responsibility to uphold and protect these principles, which are essential to our progress as a people”, he wrote on Facebook.
SOURCE: DAILY MAIL GH
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