The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), has condemned the “violent attacks” and damage caused to studio equipment by a group of people on Tamale-based Radio Justice on the night of Thursday, November 30, 2017.
GIBA in a statement stressed that, attacks of these nature carried no message except to demonstrate intolerance and misunderstanding of the rights of individuals in a democratic dispensation.
“GIBA wishes to state that, these acts of violence are against the laws of Ghana and are criminal no matter the cause or provocation,” it said in the statement.
GIBA believes broadcasters and Radio stations represent a wide spectrum of opinion, and are mandated to present all shades of ideas and views to the public, hence the provision for right to rejoinder in the constitution of Ghana.
GIBA says it has faith in the security agencies, and believes they will bring the perpetrators of these acts to book in no time.
“We hope the punishment that will follow will be deterrent enough to discourage similar acts in future. We also wish to, in the same light, encourage our members to look again at the security of their premises and access into their studios going forward. We extend our sympathies to the management of Justice FM and assure them of every support in pursuing this matter to a just conclusion.”
“We also wish to appeal to the general public to make use of the legitimate avenues for resolving and or addressing differences anytime they feel a broadcaster has not been fair to them.”
Thugs attack Radio Justice, console and computers destroyed
The main console, microphones, computers and other valuables were vandalized. The motive behind the attack is yet to be established.
The thugs invaded the studios when leadership of the Dagbon Malimi Zungo (DAMAZ), was advocating the need for everlasting peace, reconciliation and unity in Dagbon.
They suffered from severe injuries, whilst their vehicles and motorcycle keys were seized.
Management has since lodged an official complaint with the Tamale Metropolitan police command and investigations are underway.
The station suffered from a similar attack on March 11, 2014 during a political talk show.
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By: Farida Yusuf/citifmonline.com/Ghana