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16 NPP thugs arrested for invading UTV convicted; fined GH₵2400 each

Sixteen (16) thugs affiliated with the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who were arrested for attacking the offices of United Television (UTV) on Saturday, October 7, 2023, have been convicted and fined 200 penalty units which amounts to Ghc2400 each by the Achimota Magistrate Court.

The men were charged with conspiracy to commit crime and rioting. They pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently convicted by the court.

On Saturday, October 7, while the station’s prime-time entertainment show, ‘United Showbiz’ was ongoing, the thugs stormed the studio of UTV, disrupted the live programme, and proceeded to threaten to assault the host and her guests.

It later emerged that the thugs were led by the Klottey Korle Youth Organizer of the NPP, allegedly under the orders of Ernest Owusu Bempah, a Deputy Director of Communications and other leading figures of the ruling party.

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The group were upset that A Plus – a panellist on the show – tore into pieces a letter from the NPP leadership to the management of UTV requesting a reform of the United Showbiz panel.

The Ghana Journalists Association, The Information Ministry and several organisations condemned the invasion of the NPP thugs.

The National Chairman of the NPP Stephen Ntim subsequently rendered an unqualified apology to the management of UTV.

Chairman Ntim walked into the studios of Peace FM on Thursday and publicly condemned the action of the NPP thugs.

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In rendering the apology, he assured the party leadership would ensure that such reprehensible action was not repeated.

Source: Citinewsroom

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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang

The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.

The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.

This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.

“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.

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It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.

“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.

 By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu

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Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey

• Mark Okraku Mantey
• Mark Okraku Mantey

 Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed con­cern over the manner the facility was destroyed.

In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.

“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the peo­ple destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.

When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.

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He said he had previously con­tacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.

The demolition of the 20,000-seat­er Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.

According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limit­ed, the action was taken after multiple notic­es were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.

Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.

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Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.

He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.

Despite this, the demolition pro­ceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.

Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his busi­ness but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.

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