GIBA Condemns Alleged Attack on Obaatanpa Radio, Demands Swift Police Action
Broadcasters' association says attacks on media houses threaten Ghana's democracy and calls for impartial investigations.
- GIBA condemns alleged attack on Obaatanpa Radio, calling it an assault on press freedom and democracy.
- Association alleges NDC officials and others stormed the station, disrupted broadcast, and assaulted staff
- GIBA urges police investigation and calls for protection of media independence and journalists’ safety
The Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) has strongly condemned the alleged attack on Obaatanpa Radio 92.5 in Kasoa, describing the incident as a direct assault on press freedom and Ghana’s democratic values.
In a statement issued following the incident, GIBA said no grievance—whether real or perceived—can justify the forcible shutdown of a radio station, the assault of media personnel, or the disruption of lawful broadcasting.
According to the Association, the incident occurred while Obaatanpa Radio was broadcasting a live discussion on internal affairs of the National Democratic Congress (NDC). GIBA alleged that the Kasoa Municipal Chief Executive, Seth Serwonoo Banini, the Central Regional NDC Chairman, Dr. Richard Kofi Asiedu, and several others stormed the station, assaulted staff, switched off transmission equipment, ordered workers to leave the premises, and locked up the facility.
While noting that a formal complaint has been lodged with the Central East Regional Police Command, GIBA said it would allow the police to complete their investigations before drawing definitive conclusions on individual culpability.
However, the Association stressed that the reported actions, if established, represent a serious threat to Ghana’s democratic principles.
“The role of the media in fostering democratic principles cannot be overstated. Independent broadcasters serve as essential pillars of the democratic architecture, providing citizens with information, holding power to account, and giving voice to the diversity of perspectives that define our national conversation,” the statement said.
“It is precisely because the media performs this indispensable function that attacks on broadcasting houses, of whatever motivation, must be treated as attacks on democracy itself.”
GIBA urged political actors, public officials and all stakeholders to resolve grievances through lawful and democratic means instead of intimidation or violence.
“The airwaves are a public trust, not a battleground,” the Association emphasized.
It further called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the incident and prosecute anyone found culpable, regardless of political affiliation or public office.
The Association also appealed to the National Media Commission and the Office of the President to take a firm stance against attacks on journalists and media institutions.
“Press freedom is not a privilege to be granted by the powerful—it is a constitutional right and a cornerstone of Ghana’s democracy,” GIBA stated.
“We will not be silent in the face of any attempt, by any person or institution, to muzzle the press or terrorise media practitioners into self-censorship.”
The incident has triggered widespread concern among media practitioners and civil society organisations, renewing calls for stronger protections for journalists and the safeguarding of press freedom in Ghana.
