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Charges against UTV invaders woefully minimal – GJA, PRINPAG, GIBA

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Mr Dwumfuor briefing the press Photo Victor A. Buxton

Mr Dwumfuor briefing the press Photo Victor A. Buxton

 Leadership of three media unions have described as woefully mini­mal, charges imposed on individ­uals that invaded the studios of UTV to disrupt its late night entertain­ment show, Universal Showbiz.

The unions include the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and the Private Newspaper and Online News Publish­ers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG).

The individuals were convicted and fined GH¢2,400 each for con­spiracy to commit crime and rioting by an Achimota Magistrate Court on Tuesday.

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Addressing a joint press con­ference in Accra on Wednesday in reaction to the punishment, the three unions said the charge was not enough to serve as deterrent to people who attack journalists.

Led by the President of the GJA, Mr Albert Dwumfour said the charges were minimal and soft-handed.

According to the GJA President, the charge of conspiracy to commit crime and rioting, which formed the basis for the imposition of the fine on the suspects by the court, was not far-reaching and thorough enough.

He doubted why charges including unlawful entry, rioting, rioting with weapons, assault and battery, caus­ing harm and threat of harm were not preferred against them.

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That, he said could result in the imposition of stiffer punishments and deter others from attacking journal­ists.

He appealed to the judiciary to consider offences against the media as aggravating with the tendency to put fear in the media, leading to self-censorship and promotion of culture of silence.

The associations, Mr Dwumfour stated, would consider supporting the affected members to either urge the prosecution to consider appeal­ing against the sentence or criticise the decision of the court.

While condemning the recent at­tack on the Citi TV/FM journalist by supporters of the National Democrat­ic Congress (NDC) in the Odododio­doo constituency, he called on the police to act swiftly and arrest the culprits to ensure they face the law.

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The GIBA President, Mr Cecil Thomas Sunkwa-Mills, also called on media organisations to provide appropriate protective gears to jour­nalists in order to guard their safety in line of duty.

According to Mr Sunkua-Mills, protective gears such as helmets, bulletproof vests, gas masks, or first aid kits would protect their staff and

 ensure they were free from attacks especially heading into the general elections in 2024.

Mr Sunkwa-Mills indicated that, journalists must also take their per­sonal security into their own hands and stay away from danger while carrying out their assignments.

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“Let us focus on in-house safety. It is important to take personal respon­sibility by using appropriate gears,” he stated.

He also asked journalists to report threats and harassment to their organisation, police, local authorities and relevant press freedom organisa­tions.

The Acting (Ag) Executive Secre­tary for PRINPAG, Mr Jeorge Wilson Kingson, said the fine was small and fell short of serving its intended purpose of deterring miscreants from repeating such acts.

PRINPAG, he noted, was commit­ted to the protection of journalists and the safeguarding of media free­dom in Ghana, adding that “we stand united in our resolve to promote a society that respects and upholds the rights of media personnel

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By Michael D. Abayateye

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UGMC disputes Michael Blackson’s claims over late mother’s treatment

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The University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) has disputed claims made on social media by comedian Michael Blackson concerning the treatment given to his late mother, saying a review found that the allegations did not accurately reflect what happened during her stay at the hospital.

In a statement issued in Accra on August 5, 2026, the management of UGMC expressed condolences to Mr. Blackson and his family over the death of his 83-year-old mother, who died at the facility on July 16, 2026.

The hospital said it had taken the concerns raised by Mr. Blackson seriously and conducted a thorough review in line with its clinical and administrative procedures.

According to the statement, the facts presented by Mr. Blackson on social media contained “numerous inaccuracies” and did not accurately reflect the medical care provided to his mother.

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UGMC explained that she was referred to the facility from another hospital and received treatment there from May 27 to July 16, 2026, a period of about eight weeks.

The hospital stated that it would not release details of her diagnosis, treatment, medical records or other aspects of her care because it had a duty to protect patient confidentiality, even after death.

It said the decision was intended to respect the dignity of the deceased and the privacy of her family.

UGMC further stated that all clinical decisions at the facility are made by qualified healthcare professionals based on medical judgment, established standards of care and the best interests of the patient.

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The statement added that such decisions are made in consultation with authorised family representatives where necessary and that billing and financial procedures are governed by institutional policies and are separate from clinical decision-making.

The hospital noted that it values feedback from patients and their families and considers both positive and negative comments important for improving the quality of care.

Mr. Blackson had earlier used social media to criticise the care his mother received at UGMC, prompting the hospital’s response.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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NPP suspends Greater Accra campaigns ahead of “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration

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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has directed all aspirants campaigning in the Greater Accra Region to suspend their campaign activities on August 5 and 6 and instead mobilise supporters for the party’s planned “Democracy Under Attack” demonstration.

The directive was issued by the party’s National Steering Committee in a statement signed by the NPP General Secretary, Justin Kodua Frimpong, on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the decision forms part of efforts to ensure a strong turnout for the demonstration, which is scheduled for Thursday, August 6, 2026.

The party said the protest would begin at 5:00 a.m., with participants expected to gather at the Supreme Court in Accra.

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It further directed Regional, Constituency and Polling Station Executives in Greater Accra to work closely to mobilise members and supporters for the event.

“The National Steering Committee is calling on all aspirants currently campaigning across the Greater Accra Region to temporarily suspend their campaign activities on the 5th and 6th of August and join in mobilising support for the upcoming demonstration,” the statement noted.

The NPP appealed to party members and supporters to remain peaceful, disciplined and orderly throughout the protest.

The demonstration forms part of the party’s response to concerns it has raised over issues relating to Ghana’s democratic governance and the justice system.

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The NPP leadership expressed confidence that party members would cooperate fully to ensure a successful and peaceful event.

By: Jacob Aggrey

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