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.
Alleged thugs fill UTV studios during live production
In a shocking turn of events, alleged thugs affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) stormed the studios of UTV on Saturday, October 7, 2023, abruptly halting the live broadcast of United Showbiz.
Approximately seven minutes into the show voices of agitation could be heard in the background as host Mzgee introduced the program. The evident confusion on the host's face was followed by an extended break in production before the program was eventually taken off the air.
Numerous reports that emerged after the sudden interruption of the production suggest that the show was disrupted by a group of men who entered the studios with hostile intentions.
According to these reports, the agitated individuals had entered the studio with the apparent aim of confronting Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as A Plus, who is a regular panel member on the show.
Subsequent videos shared on social media depict a chaotic scene within the UTV studio, with several men calling out for A Plus.
"We are waiting for A Plus today... A Plus has to explain to us why he tore our paper from the NPP party. We are here, we are waiting for A Plus. We are protecting our party property," one of the men is heard shouting in the studio.
