The ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) on June 2, 2009, officially denied any involvement of its members in the recent vandalisation of privately-owned Techiman-based Classic FM in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana.

The regional chairman of the NDC, John Owusu Agyeman, told the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in a telephone interview that no party member took part in the alleged attack on the radio station and therefore called for police investigations into the matter.

According to MFWA’s correspondent, on May 28, a group of irate individuals believed to be NDC supporters stormed Classic FM and injured three people, including two employees of the station. The incident followed the broadcasting of an alleged voice recording of Simon Addai, NDC Member of Parliament for Techiman South constituency. In the playback Addai threatened to ‘deal’ with his political opponents, including his recent predecessor, for acts of corruption.

The correspondent said it took the intervention of the police to save the station from destruction. The police have launched an investigation into the incident. Supt. S.K. Ntim of Techiman municipal police has called for more information from the public to help arrest the perpetrators.

Meanwhile the government has reiterated its commitment to preserve media freedom. Addressing members of the parliamentary press corps, in Accra, Zita Okaikoi, Minister for Information, said the NDC government regards the media as a partner in development and will ensure that press freedom is guaranteed.

Prof. Kwame Karikari

Executive Director

MFWA

Accra

Tel: 233 21 24 24 70

Fax : 233 21 221084

Website : www.mediafound.org

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