The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the violent attack on United Television (UTV) studios by a group of hooligans during the station’s ‘United Showbiz’ program.
Approximately 30 assailants reportedly affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) invaded the studio, disrupting the live show and causing chaos among the staff and guests present.
In a statement, the GJA called on the Ghana Police Service to promptly apprehend all individuals involved in the attack and ensure their swift prosecution.
The association expressed its deep concern about the incident, urging both state bodies and civil society organizations to denounce this barbaric act and hold the perpetrators accountable.
“Our investigations suggest that about 30 hooligans invaded the studios of UTV on Saturday night, just at the beginning of the ‘United Showbiz,’ an entertainment programme, demanding representation on the panel and asking the whereabouts of one of the regular panelists,” the GJA reported.
During the 45-minute invasion, the attackers assaulted the Director of Photography and a producer of ‘United Showbiz,’ leaving the hostess, other staff, and invited guests traumatized.
The GJA acknowledged that some of the attackers are affiliated with the NPP including the Acting Greater Accra Regional Youth Organiser.
It firmly condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric and medieval.”
It emphasized the resilience of the media in Ghana against attempts to silence them, even under dictatorial regimes.
The association urged journalists to continue their work fearlessly and professionally, despite such attacks on press freedom.
While the GJA acknowledged an apology from the Director of Communications of the NPP, Richard Ahiagbah, and a subsequent press statement condemning the invasion, it raised concerns about the consistency and sincerity of the response.
The association called for equal treatment in addressing such incidents and criticized the government’s recent statement for lacking direct condemnation of the hooligans.
“We find it very worrying that the Ministry of Information has not been even-handed in addressing the critical issues at stake between the Dagbon FM and UTV incidents,” the GJA stated, expressing disappointment with the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah.
The GJA reiterated its commitment to upholding press freedom and encouraged media practitioners to remain bold and resilient in the face of intimidation, emphasizing the vital role they play in serving the public interest.