The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has vehemently denounced a reprehensible attack that unfolded at the studio of United Television (UTV) late last night.
During the broadcast of UTV’s popular entertainment show, ‘United Showbiz,’ a group of unruly individuals allegedly affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) forcibly entered the studio premises. These individuals disrupted the live program and reportedly issued threats towards the host and her guests.
It has since been revealed that the assailants were allegedly led by the Klottey Korle Youth Organizer of the NPP, purportedly acting on the directives of Ernest Owusu Bempah, a Deputy Director of Communications within the ruling party’s hierarchy.
The NDC unequivocally condemns this disgraceful incident, emphasizing that such uncivilized and aggressive behavior has no place in a democratic society.
This event marks a significant setback for Ghana’s democracy and further jeopardizes the already dwindling state of press freedom in our nation.
The NDC expresses profound concern about the growing intolerance towards dissenting opinions under the leadership of the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia/NPP government, characterizing it as tyrannical. The party strongly rebukes the ruling NPP’s apparent efforts to stifle free expression.
The senseless attack witnessed at UTV seems to be influenced by recent confrontational stances taken by high-ranking government officials and NPP members against the network and its flagship program, ‘United Showbiz.’
It is worth noting that this attack on UTV followed a recent communication from the New Patriotic Party’s National Secretariat, which appeared to exert undue editorial control over the station. Subsequently, prominent NPP figures issued threats aimed at shutting down the network.
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Some of the individuals involved in the incident have been captured on video, asserting that they acted to protect the President, Vice President, Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia, and the NPP from legitimate criticism by panelists on the show.
This incident adds to a growing list of assaults by individuals allegedly linked to the NPP on individuals carrying out their lawful duties, including a distressing incident involving a pregnant judge in open court in Kumasi not long ago.
The latest occurrence provides further evidence of the growing intolerance, violence, and perceived authoritarianism within the Akufo-Addo/Bawumia NPP government.
The NDC calls upon the Ghana Journalists Association, civil society organizations, as well as traditional and moral authorities to raise their voices before it is too late. Our cherished principles of press freedom and democracy are under serious threat, and silence in these trying times would be tantamount to endorsing the triumph of malevolence.
Furthermore, the NDC urges the Ghana Police Service to swiftly investigate this incident and ensure that all responsible individuals are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The NDC vows to closely monitor developments in this crucial matter and demands nothing less than the pursuit of justice.
