Broadcast journalist Annie Afua Ampofo has rejected claims by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) that it did not sanction the attack on United Television (UTV) on Saturday, October 7, 2023.
According to her, the ruling party cannot distance itself from the incident due to its track record in recent years.
Some thugs believed to be members of the NPP invaded the studios of UTV to protest over what it describes as an ‘unfair representative’ on the station’s entertainment show, United Showbiz.
They stormed the studios, disrupted the programme, and threatened to assault the host and her guests.
The invasion has been unreservedly condemned by people of all political divides.
The NPP in a statement signed by its Director of Communications Richard Ahiagbah stated unequivocally that it did not sanction such an attack.
Speaking on Good Morning Ghana on Metro TV on Monday, 9th October 2023, Annie Afua Ampofo refuted the submission made by Hajia Rabi Salifu, an NPP communication team member, advancing the statement issued by her party.
She described her behavior as intellectually dishonest.
“You are being intellectually dishonest in the sense that when it comes to using thugs to carry out any party activities, both parties are guilty, in recent times, the NPP is guilty,” she pointed out.
Annie Ampofo said the NPP has heavily relied on thugs to carry out activities that are against the constitution in recent years, citing the military invasion in Parliament as well as the pro-NPP group Delta Force freeing suspects during court proceedings that forced the judge to abandon the case to buttress her point.
“I’m not sure what you are saying that the party leadership believes so the party membership also believes, it is like if I’m an ordinary Ghanaian watching, I’m thinking that, does this lady [Hajia Rabi Salifu] appreciate that I also know my stuff,” she explained.
Annie Afua Ampofo further charged the NPP to admit that there has been a regretful incident and condemn it instead of denying knowledge of it because they cannot continue to defend some of these activities forever.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Police Service has arrested 16 persons who were among the thugs who invaded the UTV studios and they’re currently assisting with investigations.
By: Edem Etsa Dorvlo | Metrotvonline.com | Ghana
