Media General drags NPP Vice Chair to police over threats

Media General Ghana Limited has officially lodged a complaint with the Ghana Police Service against the Third National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Alhaji Osman Masawudu, following what it describes as an unprovoked act of aggression and threats of physical harm against its journalists.

The incident occurred during a recent NPP press conference where Alhaji Masawudu was captured on video deliberately pushing down a TV3-branded microphone in the presence of other media practitioners and party executives.

The action was not only witnessed publicly but also acknowledged by Mr. Masawudu himself.

Matters escalated when Mr. Masawudu, in a subsequent interview with Kumasi-based ASHH FM, issued a direct threat, warning that Media General journalists would be physically assaulted if they showed up at any future NPP events.

“These statements and actions constitute an attack not only on Media General but also on the constitutional right to press freedom and the safety of all journalists in Ghana,” the Corporate Communications Department of Media General stated in a release.

In response, Media General has called for a full investigation into the matter and appropriate action to ensure the safety of its journalists and other media personnel across the country.

“Media General remains committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism and will not be intimidated or deterred in its pursuit of truth and the public’s right to information,” the statement added.

The organization is also calling on civil society groups, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), and all stakeholders to rise in defense of media freedom and the safety of journalists nationwide.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith