We take seriously the unjustified and undemocratic demand by the Kumasi Traditional Council (Manhyia Palace) that Oyerepa FM ceases operations (i.e., stop broadcasting) till further notice before they (the council) will accept an apology or provide them (Oyerepa FM) with a hearing over remarks made by a studio guest.
UPDN considers this proposal to be uncalled for, unlawful, primitive, and an attack on press freedom.
If granted, the request will not only undo all of Ghana’s progress and achievements in promoting free press values, but it will also cause journalists to lose confidence, intimidate and instill fear in them, which will undermine our democratic credentials.
We thus urge Oyerepa FM, situated in Kumasi, to continue broadcasting.
We urge that the National Media Commission (NMC), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), and Ministry of Information urgently mediate the issues to a traditional and legal resolution.
We stand with Oyerepa FM.
Long live press freedom.
Signed
Kofi Asante Mensah
(President)
Tel: 024-469-0262
Office: 0302-965-325
www.updnghana.com
Communication Bureau
Betty Boafo
(Secretary)
024-487-0055
Mr. Kelvin Malor
(National Organizer)
0245995541
Mr. David Albert Quainoo
(South Korea Coordinator)
+821021174780
