Kojo Oppong Nkrumah
The Ministry of Information has condemned attacks on the studio of United Television (UTV) by some people alleged to be members of the NPP.
According to the Ministry, such acts of aggression towards media organizations are unacceptable and have no place in the Ghanaian society.
It called on political parties and their supporters to refrain from taking the law into their own hands and to use the appropriate channels to address grievances.
United Television (UTV) is one of Ghana’s leading media houses and has been targeted by political activists in the past.
The attack on its studio has been met with widespread condemnation from the media community and civil society organizations.
Meanwhile, concerns have been raised about the safety of journalists working in Ghana, particularly in the run-up to the next general elections scheduled for December 7, 2024.
In response to these concerns, the Information Ministry has assured journalists of their safety and urged them to continue to discharge their duties without fear or favor.
“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,” it said.
The Ministry in a statement issued on Sunday said it made a report to the Ghana Police Service (GPS) to intervene in the incident on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
According to the Ministry, this followed reports to its Media Monitoring Center that a group of persons had entered UTV’s studios, allegedly without authorization, to express displeasure at the content of a live TV Programme.
“The police subsequently arrested 16 persons at the premises of UTV, and investigations are currently ongoing. The Ministry stands with the police and the courts in the conduct of their duties,” it added.
By Vincent Kubi