Recent attacks on media undemocratic; ensure perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted – UTAG to IGP
The University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG) has condemned the recent attacks on media personalities in the country, describing the incidents as undemocratic.
The Association also called for the arrest and prosecution of all the perpetrators behind the recent attack on media houses and staff in the line of duty to the state.
According to UTAG, the constant attacks on journalists pose a threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials and should not be encouraged.
UTAG in a communiqué released and signed by its National President, Professor Mamudu A. Akudugu, and National Secretary, Dr Elliasu Mumuni on Monday, October 16, asked the IGP to ensure the perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted.
“Congress of UTAG observed with sadness the increasing attacks on the freedom of expression and of the Media. These developments are not in the interest of our growing democratic dispensation”.
“The recent attacks on journalists and some media houses in the country are attacks on freedom of expression as guaranteed in Chapter 12 of Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana”.
“While condemning these acts of violence and lawlessness, UTAG commends the police for acting swiftly to arrest some individuals who recently attacked journalists and panelists at United Television (UTV)”.
“We call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure that perpetrators of all attacks on journalists, including the one on Citi FM journalists, media houses, and killings of journalists in the country, are arrested and prosecuted without fail”.
It will be recalled that on Saturday, October 7, some New Patriotic Party(NPP) youth members invaded the studios of UTV to halt a live entertainment show ‘United Showbiz’ because the thugs believe the show has always been against their party.
The police swiftly arrested 16 of the culprits for such an unlawful action.
Unfortunately, Ms. Akosua Otchere with Citi FM and Citi TV was also attacked by NDC thugs while covering the vetting of the parliamentary aspirants of the party in the Odododiodio constituency in Accra on Friday, October 13.
Ms Otchere was attacked by some NDC thugs, who twisted her hand and snatched her phone.