Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe, a prominent figure of the Ghana Today Coalition, fiercely denounced the recent attack on the UTV during a press conference on Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the Press Center.
The attack, which took place during a live broadcast of the “United Showbiz” program on Saturday, October 7, 2023, saw 16 individuals forcibly invading the studio.
Dr. Tamakloe expressed his concern over the invasion, which was orchestrated by unidentified individuals described as “thugs.” The incident disrupted the broadcast of the show and has been linked to a series of events that unfolded in recent weeks.
“We wish to condemn an attack or invasion on Utv studios last Saturday night by hooligans by my own party during the airing of their flagship programme, United Showbiz. We encourage young people to be tolerant and divergent views no matter how disconcerting they are and not to result to violence as a measure to seek redress,” he said.
“Political parties should provide young people with opportunities to development the leadership skills and help the under their rights and responsibilities as citizens,” he added.
The roots of the incident can be traced back to an earlier controversy involving musician and political activist A-plus. A-plus had torn a letter from the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), directing UTV to refrain from discussing politics on the “United Showbiz” program.
The group that invaded the studio claimed to be members of the NPP’s youth wing and demanded an apology from A-plus. They alleged that he had insulted the President and Vice President, which further fueled tensions.
During the press conference, Dr. Nyaho-Nyaho Tamakloe emphasized the need for tolerance and the importance of respecting divergent views, regardless of how disconcerting they may be. He called on young people not to resort to violence as a means to seek redress and highlighted the responsibility of political parties to provide opportunities for young individuals to develop their leadership skills and understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens.
The Ghana Police Service (GPS) has officially arrested 16 individuals in connection with the UTV studio invasion, and investigations into the matter are ongoing.
The incident has raised concerns about t tolerant political environment.