UTV attack: 16 NPP thugs fined 200 penalty points

Youth of the New Patriotic Party, NPP, who took the law into their hands and invaded the studios of Abeka-based United Television, UTV, have been convicted. The UTV attack by the youth which caused outrage and forced an apology from the NPP saw youth number about 30 invade the studios of the TV station while it was televising its flagship entertainment show the United Showbiz.

The program was paused as a result with both the host and guest fearing for their lives. UK-based Ghanaian musician Sonnie Badu who was scheduled to make an appearance on the show did not show up due to the incident.

Following the incident, 16 of the youth were arrested and arraigned before the Achimota Magistrate Court. The 16 of them were charged with conspiracy to commit crime and rioting. Each of them has been fined 200 penalty points which amounts to GHS2400.

The October 7 UTV attack was later revealed to be orchestrated by the Deputy Director of Communication of the party, Ernest Owusu Bempah. The attack was led by Korle Klottey Youth Organizer of the party.

Stating their reason for the invasion, the group said they were there to force an avid critic of the party Kwame Asare Obeng known as A-Plus to apologize for disrespecting the party and its leadership. They said they were angered by the musician cum politician’s decision to tear into pieces a letter from the NPP asking the United Showbiz programme handlers to reconstitute its panel which included A-Plus.

Meanwhile, barely a week after that incident, there was another attack on a journalist this time by the youth of the NDC in the Odododiodio constituency. The attack was on a Citi FM/TV reporter Akosua Otchere who was covering the vetting of parliamentary aspirants in the constituency.

The GJA has warned that it will “go every length under the law to deal with political actors and individuals who may attack journalists”. It warned political actors to desist from attacking the media and journalists.