The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has condemned the invasion of the studios of Accra-based UTV by some individuals on Saturday, September 7, alleged to be members of the governing New Patriotic Party (NPP).
The group barged in during the station’s prime-time entertainment show, ‘United Showbiz’ temporarily disrupting the show and threatening to beat up the host and her guests on live television.
However, in a statement condemning the act which has been described by many as unfortunate and irresponsible, PRINPAG said it has a potency of eroding the gains the country has chalked in the global press freedom index.
“As an Association of Media Owners, we abhor these attacks on journalists and media houses in the country and we condemn the attack in no uncertain terms and without any reservation. We are concerned about the continued occurrence of such acts in a country that used to boast proudly of its rankings on global press freedom indexes.”
“It is important to note that, recently Ghana dropped two places – from 60th in 2022 to 62nd in 2023 in the annual Global Press Freedom ranking by Reporters Without Borders (RSF), and a deliberate action to restore hope on the Ghanaian media landscape is urgently needed.”
Meanwhile, it has commended the Ghana Police Service for its swift intervention and demanded the immediate prosecution of the arrested individuals.
“It is, however, heartwarming to hear that, the police moved in swiftly to arrest 16 members of the thugs to avert a possible blood bath.
“We at PRINPAG would like to take this opportunity to call on all stakeholders, especially the Police to expedite action on the 16 persons arrested and arraign them before a court of competent jurisdiction so as to serve as a deterrent to others.”
PRINPAG concluded the press release by urging media practitioners not to be frightened by this incident.
“We wish to further encourage journalists in the country not to be frightened or cowed by these incidents, rather, they should resolve to do their work as the Fourth Estate of the realm without fear or favour going by the ethics of their profession.”
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