The National Media Commission strongly condemns the invasion of United Television's premises and studios by individuals purportedly affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP) on the evening of Saturday, October 7, 2023.

In a statement released on Sunday, October 8, the Commission stated that it is working closely with the Ghana Police Service to prevent the situation from escalating into violence.

“The Commission is concerned about the increasing use of violence as the preferred method for addressing grievances against the media and journalists. Perpetrators of such crimes must realise that violence does not produce better journalism,” the statement signed by the NMC Executive Secretary George Sarpong said.

It further emphasized the importance of upholding journalistic integrity and condemned the resort to violence of any kind against the media.

“Our Constitution provides avenues for individuals feeling aggrieved by media coverage to seek redress through the complaint settlement mechanism of the National Media Commission,” the statement pointed out.

The NMC however highlighted the importance of fostering a peaceful environment for journalism, especially with the 2024 general elections taking place soon.

“As we enter the electioneering process, it is crucial for political actors and all Ghanaians to understand that the Ghana we envision will not be built on the foundation of violent attacks on journalists,” the NMC emphasized.

Background

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.

Around seven minutes into the livestreamed show, voices of unrest could be heard in the background while host MzGee was introducing the program. The host's visible confusion was followed by an extended production break before the program was eventually taken off the air.

Numerous reports that emerged following the abrupt interruption suggest that the show was disrupted by a group of men who entered the studios with hostile intentions.

These reports indicate that the agitated individuals had entered the studio with the apparent intention 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 show 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.

In the meantime, the Ghana Police Service has taken into custody approximately 16 individuals who were involved in the invasion of UTV's studios. Investigations into the regrettable incident have now begun.