UTV Studio Invasion: Fine imposed not deterrent enough – GJA President

President of Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has highlighted deep concern about the recent attacks on media practitioners and organisations.

He argued that culprits involved in the recent UTV studio invasion need to be prosecuted rightfully for such unwarranted crime rather than the reported Ghc 200 fine imposed on them.

He made this remark during a joint press conference by the GJA, GIBA and PRINPAG held at the Ghana International Press Center on Wednesday, October 18 2023.

He mentioned, “This phenomenon is alarmingly increasing in frequency and as a media fraternity we cannot sit aloof and allow the situation to get out of hands. We need to more guarded and intentional about the safety of media practitioners.”

He futher commended the Ghana Police and the court for the speedy prosecution and conviction on what happened on that fateful evening which was reprehensible.

He stated, “We have taken note of the ruling by the Achimota District Court on the sixteen (16) hooligans who were arrested and prosecuted for attacking the studios of UTV. It is our view that the option of fine imposed is not deterrent enough.”

“Based on video evidence of the happenings on that fateful evening, the charges preferred against them were not far-reaching. Their actions warrant a full investigation to face full rigours of the law,” he added.

This comes after some 16 individuals reportedly affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) we’re convicted and fined for their involvement in the invasion of United Television (UTV) on October 7, 2023. The incident disrupted the ‘United Showbiz’ show and created a wave of outrage.

The invasion occurred while the ‘United Showbiz’ program was in progress, as a group of NPP-affiliated individuals forcibly entered the UTV studio. They disrupted the live show and went on to issue threats against the host and her guests.

The assailants were reportedly agitated by the actions of A Plus, a panellist on the show, who had torn a letter from the NPP leadership into pieces. The letter had requested reforms to the ‘United Showbiz’ panel.