NMC condemns invasion of UTV studio by thugs during live programme

NMC

The National Media Commission (NMC) has condemned the invasion of the studios of private station UTV by some thugs on Saturday, 7 October 2023 to disrupt a live evening programme.

The Commission, in a statememt, said the use of violence against the media does not produce better journalism.

“This is why the Constitution provides anyone who feels aggrieved by the work of the media, the opportunity to seek redress through the complaint settlement mechanism of the National Media Commission", the statement said.

“As we approach the electioneering process for Ghana 2024, it is important for political actors and all Ghanaians to learn that the Ghana we envisage would not be built on the path of violent attacks on journalists,” the statement noted.

The NMC said it will roll out a comprehensive programme to reactivate the "Coordinated Mechanism for the safety of journalists to ensure the media continue to operate without fear".

“We assure the public of our cooperation with the Ghana Police Service to get to the bottom of this matter,” it added.

Meanwhile, the police has arrested 16 suspects in connection with the invasion, following a complaint lodged by Despite Media Group, owners of UTV.

The invaders, who claimed to be affiliated with the governing New Patriotic Party, stormed the live programme to demand an apology from A Plus, a panellist on the show, who they claim insulted President Akufo-Addo, Vice President Bawumia and the NPP.