The founder of the Movement for Change and a 2024 independent presidential hopeful, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen, has waded into the attack unleashed on staff and guests at UTV by some sympathisers of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
Mr. Kyerematen has condemned the mayhem exhibited by the NPP loyalists during a live telecast of the station’s United Showbiz programme Saturday, October 7, 2023.
Citing Article 162 of the Ghanaian constitution, he noted the laws of the land “strongly safeguards the independence of the media, and vehemently opposes any interference or harassment based on editorial opinions, views, or content.”
According to him, the act is akin to nothing but a violation of the media’s freedom and display of arrogance of power.
“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.
“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,” a statement from Mr. Kyerematen’s outfit Sunday, October 8, 2023, noted in parts.
Highlighting on the importance of free speech in a democracy, the former Trade and Industry minister commended the police for their quick response to the issue, and called for the immediate prosecution of the culprits.
“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,” he noted.
Some thugs belonging to the ruling New Patriotic Party stormed the studios of UTV Saturday night to disrupt and threaten the host and panel of United Showbiz, a live programme which was being telecasted.
Reports indicate the persons who attacked the team held that the topic which was being discussed was putting the government and the NPP in bad light.
The police have arrested 16 suspects following a report by the Despite Media Group and the Ministry of Information after the incident.
The opposition NDC have condemned the act saying it’s a dent on Ghana’s democracy, whilst the leadership of the NPP have absolved themselves of the incident.
