The Central Regional executives of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) are demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of Central Regional NDC Chairman Richard Kofi Asiedu and the Awutu Senya East Municipal Chief Executive Seth Serwonoo Banini over an alleged attack on Obaatanpa Radio.
The call was made during a press conference in the Central Region, where the NPP insisted that law enforcement must act swiftly to ensure accountability and deter future attacks on media institutions.
Central Regional NPP Deputy Secretary Charles Odoom condemned the alleged incident and urged the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action, stressing the need to protect journalists and media houses.
He also called on traditional authorities and political actors in the region to help de-escalate tensions and prevent possible clashes arising from the incident.
The demand follows allegations by Obaatanpa Radio that its premises were stormed by the named officials and others after discussions on its morning programme relating to internal matters within the National Democratic Congress.
According to the station, the Morning Show Host and Producer were verbally and physically assaulted during the confrontation, while the group allegedly entered the studio during a live broadcast, switched off transmission equipment, ordered staff out, and locked up the premises, forcing the station off air.
Obaatanpa Radio described the incident as an attack on press freedom and said it had filed a formal complaint with the Central East Regional Police Command. Management also confirmed plans to release CCTV footage to support ongoing investigations.
The incident has drawn further attention after the Ghana Journalists Association strongly condemned the alleged attack, describing it as an “unacceptable assault on press freedom” and calling for a transparent, impartial and swift investigation.
In a statement signed by Central Regional Chairman Kingsley Nana Boadu, the GJA urged police to prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation, and called on the NDC leadership to publicly condemn the incident and take disciplinary action if the allegations are confirmed.
The Association stressed that media freedom is guaranteed under Article 162 of the 1992 Constitution and warned that violence or intimidation against journalists has no place in a democratic society. It also noted that grievances against media content should be addressed through legal channels such as the National Media Commission or the courts.
The Ghana Journalists Association further expressed solidarity with Obaatanpa Radio staff, insisting that attacks on journalists undermine the public’s right to information.
