We're 'humbled' by Despite Group's response - NPP

The opposition New Patriotic Party [NPP] says it had to take the unpleasant decision to boycott two indigenous radio stations belonging to well-respected business mogul, Dr. Osei Kwame, though they were unhappy to do so.

The party last Sunday officially announced its decision to boycott two political programs on OKAY FM and NEAT FM which is hosted by Kwame Nkrumah Tikesie and Adakabre Frimpong Manso respectively.

A statement signed by Deputy Director of Communications of the party said the stations “consistently discuss all matters of the NPP with a negative slant” - after claiming efforts to resolve the issue has been unsuccessful.

“Several letters, phone calls and face to face discussions between us and other management members, the producers and host of the programmes, to desist from this unethical practice of journalism have gone unheeded,” the statement read.

However, management of Despite Group of Companies (DGC) - owners of the two stations - has called on the ‘Elephant’ fraternity to reconsider their decision - “It is our hope that you review your decision to boycott Okay FM and Neat FM. Our doors are always widely opened to you as we all contribute our quota to develop our nation.”

This has been well accepted by Nana Akomea, Communications Director of the NPP - he emphatically noted that they took a ‘bold’ decision to boycott the stations even though they were not ‘happy’ with the decision.

“The NPP is not happy about the boycott but we had no option. We thought carefully about the decision,” he said on NEAT FM’s morning show dubbed 'Ghana Montie'.

“But we [NPP] are humbled by Despite Group rejoinder. They showed maturity and are willing to solve issues amicably with us,” he added.

Press Freedom Under Attack?

Nana Akomea however rubbished claims by NDC’s Deputy General Secretary Koku Anyidoho that the NPP is “against press freedom”.

“It’s strange the NDC is complaining about this. They boycotted Metro TV and Multimedia and ban them from covering official programs. Where was Koku by then? Was the press freedom not in existence?” he questioned.