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The Definition of Sound

UTV Invasion By NPP Hoodlums: Let’s Concentrate On The Future – NMC

by Edem Latsu Nukafu

The National Media Commission (NMC) conveys the circumstances that ushered in the detention and prosecution of the NPP hoodlum who descended upon the studios of United Television (UTV) and must develop a new standard by which government motion should be judged in future.

The NMC was referring to the function the Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, and the Attorney-General, Godfred Dame, played in securing the detention and prosecution of the NPP hoodlum.

According to the NMC, the tandem could have disregarded the invasion of UTV as it was initiated by their party members; instead, they opted to protect media freedom through their actions.

The NMC mentioned their actions are original and must remain the standard going forward.

“There is novelty in the courage of a sitting Minister, a Member of Parliament and an active politician in reporting members of his party to the police for invading a TV station. This must signify a new beginning towards addressing questions of the safety of journalists.

“He and the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice had a choice. And they elected to exercise that in favour of media freedom. That behaviour sets a new standard by which government action must be judged in the future. We must hold the Ministers bound by this worthy precedent and define it as the standard by which we expect all future Ministers to act,” the NMC sounded in a communique.

The NMC counted that the velocity of the trial was also a testament to the devotion of the Chief Justice and the judiciary to maintaining press freedom.

“It is also important to acknowledge the police for arresting, investigating and prosecuting the offenders. Perhaps one positive aspect of the police action that requires to be highlighted is the responsiveness and professionalism of the commander of the Tesano Police and his team,” the NMC summed up.

The commission emphasized that the public wrath that followed the attack “indicates to us the values Ghanaians cherish in our democratic space and the level of decency required of us all.”