I strongly condemn yesterday’s attack on members of UTV Ghana’s United Showbiz program, which is a blatant violation of Freedom of the Media and Free Speech- two fundamental principles enshrined in our Constitution.
This incident was a wanton display of arrogance of power and indiscipline, issues that have hindered our progress as a nation for far too long.
Hon.Alan Kyeremanten
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.
The National Service Scheme (NSS) has assured its personnel that allowances for September 2023 have been released to the Scheme and are being processed for payment as soon as possible.
The Scheme also assured personnel that allowances for October and the arrears from the recent upward adjustments are all being processed and will be paid soon after payment of the September allowances.
This follows concerns raised by personnel regarding their unpaid allowances for September and arrears covering January to June 2023 from the recent upward adjustments of their monthly allowances.
NSS encouraged its personnel in a statement issued on Sunday “to exercise restraint as the normal financial processes are being adhered to for all their well-deserved allowances to be paid.”
Hon Osei Assibey Antwi-NSS Boss
It further commended the patience of all service personnel in the face of the challenges they had experienced serving their country.
“Management wishes all national service personnel well as they complete their one-year mandatory national service to the state at the end of October 2023,” it added.
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”
Hon Kojo Oppong Nkrumah-Information Minister
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
Hundreds of New Patriotic Party (NPP) delegates in the Assin Central Constituency have declared their support for Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia as the National Delegates Conference to elect a flagbearer for the party draws closer.
The delegates, including polling station chairmen and other executive explained that Dr Bawumia is the best among the four remaining aspirants to represent the party at next year’s election and has all it takes to win the presidential election for the NPP.
They also noted that Dr Bawumia is the backbone behind the major achievements of the Akufo-Addo-led administration and that makes him one capable of leading the party and subsequently winning the 2024 General Elections.
For them, Dr Bawumia’s promise to make ten appointments each from each constituency will ensure that as executives and committed members to the party, they benefit from such appointments.
“We are going to the polls to elect a flagbearer on November 4, 2023. And an election is to declare your stand and make a choice. Among the four aspirants to the flagbearer position, the one I think is best fit to win power for the NPP in 2024 is Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.
This is because if we look at the major achievements of the Akufo-Addo administration, they have become possible because of the support he has enjoyed from Dr Bawumia as his vice.
….That is why my people and I have met here and have thrown our support fully behind Dr Mahamudu Bawumia. We are confident that when he wins the primaries, he will definitely win the presidential election in 2024 for the NPP,” Raphael Acquah, Chairman of Wurakese D/A Polling station explained in.
One other lamented how the party in the Constituency has neglected them and how they now find hope in the actions and promises of Dr Bawumia. This, he noted, is why Dr Bawumia is their choice come November 4, 2023 when they elect a flagbearer for the NPP at the National Delegates Conference.
“Some of us the delegates have thrown our support behind Dr Mahamudu Bawumia because some of us have not benefited from the party even though we have served the party for many years in the Constituency…So we have decided to support Dr Bawumia because of his commitment to getting delegates at the Constituency level benefit from the party. His pledge to make ten appointments from every constituency will be of immense benefit to us all,” Mr. John Yaw Yeboah for Mempasem Polling station argued in Twi.
Out of 519 delegates in the Assin Central Constituency, the constituency of Kennedy Agyapong, Dr Bawumia’s archrival in the flagbearership race, about 310 delegates have thrown their support behind Dr Bawumia.
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. I am writing to you today in light of recent events that have raised concerns about the leadership within the New Patriotic Party (NPP), of which you are the leader.
It is with a heavy heart that I express my disappointment in the current state of affairs within the party and the perceived lack of control and direction.
As a Journalist who have been following development in the NPP, I had hoped to witness a strong and united front under your leadership.
However, recent incidents have highlighted a worrying trend of violence and attacks on media houses and individuals who criticize the government, whether fairly or unfairly. This does not bode well for the image of the party and casts doubts on the abilities of the leadership to address internal issues.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Akufo
The Council of Elders and the National Executive Council are meant to be the highest decision-making bodies of the party, and yet their presence and guidance seem to be lacking in resolving these matters.
It is disheartening to witness an apparent disregard for democratic principles and the freedom of expression, both of which are values that the NPP claims to uphold.
The attacks on Kwaku Baah Achemfour, Kwabena Bobie Asanh, the circuit court in Kumasi, and the invasion of UTV studios are clear examples of a leadership that is failing to control its members and ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
These actions not only tarnish the reputation of the NPP but also undermine the democratic fabric of our society.
Furthermore, the lack of intervention or condemnation from the party Elders raises questions about their loyalty and whether they benefit from these unfortunate developments.
This raises concerns about their ability to provide objective advice and guidance to party members, and whether they prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the party and the nation.
President Akufo Addo, I implore you to address these concerns and provide clarity on the direction in which you are leading the NPP. As the leader of the party, it is imperative that you take responsibility for the actions of your members and ensure that such incidents are thoroughly investigated and dealt with accordingly.
It is essential to demonstrate strong leadership that promotes the values of democracy, inclusivity, and respect for the rule of law.
I urge you to strengthen the internal mechanisms within the NPP to encourage dialogue, accountability, and transparency. By doing so, you can regain the confidence of the party members and the public, who are currently questioning the effectiveness of your leadership.
It is crucial that you uphold the principles upon which the NPP was founded and restore the party’s reputation as a proponent of good governance and democratic values.
I believe in the potential of the NPP and its ability to lead Ghana towards progress and prosperity.
However, this can only be achieved with strong leadership that is responsive to the needs and concerns of its members and citizens. I hope that you will address these issues and steer the party back on the path of success.
Yours sincerely,
Isaac Justice Bediako broadcast Journalist – EIB-Network, Kumasi.
A KUMASI-based Journalist, Simon Opoku Afriyie , has extended a helping hand to scores of children of school-going age at Manso Muawano in the Amansie south District of the Ashanti Region.
Mr. Opoku Afriyie who is also Otec Fm news reporter and the Chief Executive Officer of choicenewsonline.com, presented exercise books, pens ,pencils,erasers ,sharpeners mathematical sets to hundreds of pupils in the community.
According to the philanthropist, the gesture was to motivate the young children to learn hard and also support their parents and guardians who were cash-strapped and badly needed help.
The ace broadcast journalist, has for the past three years also assisted the aged widows and widowers in the Muawano in various forms and also organizing free health screenings for hundreds of residents in the community and nearby surroundings.
Nr. Opoku Afriyie in an interview with the media said his desire was to see his native Manso Muawano one day producing brilliant students who would grow up to develop the area and impact many others.
The CEO of choicenewsonline.com, used the occasion to appeal to the government , Member of Parliament (MP) of the area, Yaw Frimpong Addo and DCE of the District, Clement Opoku Gyamfi to come to the aid of the Muawano community to construct classroom blocks since the pupils walk long distance nearby communities to get access to education which is hampering learning in the community.
He said getting the classroom blocks will help to promote teaching and learning In the area.
He again made a passionate appeal to the government to construct mechanize boreholes in the community to solve the water crisis in the area.
According to him, the community has only one functioning borehole which is a problem to the residents of the community.
“School children always get to school late due to the long que for water,” he lamented.
He promised to do more donations to his community whenever he gets the power to do so.
Some of the beneficiaries pupils thanked Mr Simon Opoku Afriyie for the gesture.
Some parents who spoke to the media said, the items has brought massive relief to them.
They also appealed to natives of Muawano who have traveled abroad to emulate the kind benevolence of Mr. Opoku Afriyie.
It has come to the attention of the leadership of the New Patriotic Party an unfortunate incident that occurred last night at UTV involving some sympathisers of the NPP who went to the studio to raise a protest against the United Showbiz programme.
We wish to state forcefully that the said act was not sanctioned by the party, and we apologise unreservedly to UTV, the programme team, and the general public.
Richard Ahiagbah
The right of citizens to free speech is one of the cardinal values of our party, and we are committed to its advancement. The proper way for anyone to express any concerns over any programme by any media house would be to make a formal complaint.
Advancing in numbers to interrupt the work of any media house is unacceptable, and we condemn it.
The Ghana Police Service is currently investigating the matter, and the party intends to cooperate fully with the investigators to deal with the matter expeditiously.
Richard Ahiagbah
National Communications Director
NPP
PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release:
8th October, 2023.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has learned with utter disgust, a dastardly attack that was visited on the studios of United Television (UTV), last night.
While the station’s prime time entertainment show, ‘United Showbiz’ was ongoing, a group of uncivilized hooligans belonging to the ruling New Patriotic Party stormed the studios of UTV, disrupted the live programme and proceeded to threaten to assault the host and her guests.
It later emerged that these thugs were led by the Klottey Korle Youth Organizer of the New Patriotic, under the orders of Ernest Owusu Bempah, a Deputy Director of Communications and other leading figures of the ruling party.
The NDC condemns this shameful act in no uncertain terms, as there can be no place for such uncivilised and beastly conduct in a democracy.
Yesterday’s event sets Ghana’s democracy back and further erodes our fast 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.
We completely condemn the extent to which the ruling NPP is determined to go to institutionalise a culture of silence.
The senseless attack we witnessed yesterday was clearly goaded by recent antagonistic posturing of high-ups in government and the NPP towards UTV and its flagship ‘United Showbiz’ programme.
It is instructive that this attack on UTV was preceded by a letter from the New Patriotic Party’s National Secretariat a few days ago, which sought to brazenly impose an editorial policy on the station. This was followed by threats by leading figures of the NPP to ensure the illegal closure of the station.
Indeed, some of the NPP hooligans have been captured on video saying that they attacked the studios of UTV to defend and protect the President, the Vice President, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia and the NPP from legitimate criticism by some members of the panel.
Yesterday’s event adds to the litany of attacks that goons associated with the NPP have visited on people performing their lawful duties, including a pregnant judge sitting in open court in Kumasi some time back.
The latest incident is yet another clearest evidence of how intolerant, violent and tyrannical this Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government has become.
We call on the Ghana Journalists Association and other vanguards of free speech, civil society as well as traditional and moral society to speak out before it is too late.
Our press freedom and democratic credentials are under serious attack, and to remain silent in these times is to encourage the triumph of evil.
We further call on the Ghana Police Service to expeditiously investigate this incident and ensure that all the culprits are duly prosecuted in accordance with law.
The NDC shall be monitoring every development on this important matter and will not accept anything short of justice.
SIGNED.
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.
(National Communication Officer)
