FOCAP condemns attack on UTV, accuses tourism ministry of being silent

A creative arts advocacy group, the Foundation of Creative Arts Professionals (FOCAP), has strongly denounced the recent display of “hooliganism” witnessed at the UTV studios over the weekend.

This comes after a group of individuals allegedly affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) invaded the studios of United Television on Saturday, October 7, during a live broadcast of United Showbiz to demand an apology from its panelists whom they accused as being biased towards the party.

In a statement, FOCAP emphasized the importance of freedom of speech among citizens, stating that it is a fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution of Ghana and that no one should be attacked for their beliefs.

"In a democracy where the core value is freedom of speech, no individual or group of persons has the right to attack anyone simply because he or she disagrees with their opinion," parts of the statement mentioned.

The body also expressed concern about the contradiction between politicians engaging entertainers for campaign purposes and subsequently attempting to silence them when they express their views. They highlighted that nobody, including the government, has the authority to curtail this essential human right.

FOCAP further cited Article 162(4) of the constitution, affirming that media outlets and their personnel should be free from government control or interference.

The organization noted the tragic incident of a radio presenter from Ada who was attacked on air due to differing opinions and emphasized the need to learn from such events.

The body also accused the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, stating that it has remained silent in response to attacks on individuals within the creative arts industry. They called for a more proactive stance from the ministry in protecting the industry's interests and highlighted the need for swift action in appointing authorities within the Creative Arts Agency to address creative industry issues effectively.

FOCAP however, urged pundits to exercise caution in their submissions, emphasizing that the interests of the country should come before any political party affiliations.

The organization pledged to closely monitor the police investigations regarding the 16 individuals arrested in connection with the attack.

Check out the full statement below

FOCAP Condemns Politically Motivated Attack On United Showbiz Entertainment Pundits.

Creative Arts Advocacy Group, Foundation of Creative Arts Professionals(FOCAP) condemns the exhibitions of Hooliganism shown over the weekend by a group of persons in the studios of UTV whiles Entertainment Pundits were on live Television.

FOCAP believes the Constitution gives every citizen, including entertainers, the right to speak their minds and speak it freely.

In a Democracy where the core value is freedom of speech, no individual or group of persons has the right to attack anyone simply because he or she disagrees with their opinion.

Interestingly, these same Politicians who engage the services of Entertainers for their campaigns are now saying the same Entertainers have no right to speak up?

The fact is nobody, including the government, has the right to stop anyone from exercising this fundamental human right.

The Constitution in Article 162(4) clearly states that "Editors and publishers of newspapers and other institutions of the mass media shall not be subject to control or interference by Government, nor shall they be penalized or harassed for their editorial opinions and views, or the content of their publications".

Recently, the country lost a radio presenter from Ada, who was attacked and harassed on Ada radio just because a group of persons disagreed with his utterances, and it seems the country hasn't learnt any meaningful lessons from that unfortunate ordeal.

FOCAP does not concern itself with the merits of the issues discussed but completely disagrees with such senseless attacks on the media, especially entertainers who also buy fuel and pay taxes just like any other citizen.

We'll like to reiterate the point that if you have any issues with whatever anyone says about you or your Elders, the Courts is the only place to seek redress.

Last but not the least we'll like to express our greatest disappointment in the Ministry in Charge of our sector(Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture) who has remained MUTE after the traumatising attack on persons of our industry and we ask that they become more proactive as a ministry rather than a Passive entity.

Their action clearly shows that the industry has No Father figure to protect it unless they prove otherwise in the coming days and this is where we want to see the President expedite action on the proper appointment of authorities (Board & Executive sec) at the Creative Arts Agency to see to issues of creatives.

Finally, we'll ask for circumspection on the part of Pundits during their submissions no matter their party affiliations since Ghana should be placed above any other Political Party we patronise.

Focap will also keep a close eye on the police investigations with regards to the 16 persons arrested in the attack.

Long Live GHANA.
Long Live FOCAP.

ID/AW

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