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Sixteen individuals who had affiliations with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) were found guilty and fined Ghc2400 each by the Achimota Magistrate Court.
This verdict was delivered in response to their involvement in an attack on the United Television (UTV) offices, as reported by citinewsroom.com.
The incident transpired on Saturday, October 7, 2023, during the disruption of UTV’s prime-time entertainment show, ‘United Showbiz.’
The convicted individuals were charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and rioting, to which they pleaded guilty, resulting in their convictions.
On that fateful Saturday, a group of agitators forcefully breached the UTV studio during the live broadcast of ‘United Showbiz.’ Their actions disrupted the program and included threats directed at the show’s host and guests in attendance.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the perpetrators were led by the Klottey Korle Youth Organizer of the NPP, allegedly acting upon the instructions of Ernest Owusu Bempah, a Deputy Director of Communications, and other prominent figures within the ruling party.
The attack was instigated by A Plus, a panelist on the show, who tore apart a letter from the NPP leadership requesting changes to the United Showbiz panel.
This invasion by NPP-affiliated individuals garnered widespread condemnation from various quarters, including the Ghana Journalists Association, the Information Ministry, and various other organizations.
The incident ignited public outrage and sparked calls for accountability.
In response to the public outcry, the National Chairman of the NPP, Stephen Ntim, assumed responsibility and issued an unreserved apology to UTV’s management. Chairman Ntim publicly denounced the actions of the NPP-affiliated individuals during an appearance on Peace FM.
As part of his apology, Chairman Ntim pledged that the party’s leadership would take steps to ensure that such deplorable actions would not be repeated in the future.
