We are sorry, attack on Akosua Otchere does not reflect our identity – NDC apologises to Citi FM

The opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC) has condemned the attack on Citi FM reporter Akosua Otchere by some hooligans of the party.

The journalist was assaulted on Friday, October 13, by some aggrieved persons who took the law into their own hands and engaged in acts of vandalism during the vetting of aspirants for the party’s upcoming Parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio constituency.

In a statement today, the NDC has apologised to Citi FM, insisting that the actions of the hooligans do not reflect the identity of the party.

“The NDC regrets and condemns the attack on Akosua Otchere in no uncertain terms. The conduct of the people who attacked the journalist is highly irresponsible and does not reflect our identity as defenders of press freedom and a party that fosters a cordial working relationship with the media.

“We wish to unreservedly apologise to the journalist, Akosua Otchere, and the entire Citi FM/TV fraternity for this sad development,” a release from the NDC signed by National Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi said.

Accepting responsibility for what it describes as an unfortunate incident, the NDC has assured the general public that it shall take immediate steps to fish out the perpetrators.

It further stressed that all those found culpable shall be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary rules of the party and the laws of Ghana.

Below is a copy of the release from the NDC.

PRESS STATEMENT
For Immediate Release
14th October, 2023

NDC CONDEMNS ASSAULT ON CITI FM/TV REPORTER

The leadership of the National Democratic Congress has learned with deep regret, an unfortunate incident that occurred at the party’s Greater Accra Regional Office on Friday, 13th October, 2023.

While the party was vetting aspirants for our upcoming Parliamentary primary in the Odododiodio constituency, some aggrieved persons took the law into their hands and engaged in acts of vandalism.

In the course of the pandemonium, a journalist with Accra-based Citi FM/TV by name Akosua Otchere, was attacked and manhandled.

The NDC regrets and condemns the attack on Akosua Otchere in no uncertain terms. The conduct of the people who attacked the journalist is highly irresponsible and does not reflect our identity as defenders of press freedom and a party that fosters a cordial working relationship with the media.

We wish to unreservedly apologise to the journalist, Akosua Otchere and the entire Citi FM/TV fraternity for this sad development.

The NDC is a truly democratic and peace-loving political institution that upholds the critical role of the media in nation building. We neither subscribe to nor condone acts of violence of any form let alone attacks on journalists.

The party takes full responsibility for this unfortunate incident and assures the general public, that we shall take immediate steps to fish out the perpetrators. All those found culpable shall be dealt with in accordance with the disciplinary rules of the party and the laws of Ghana.

SIGNED.
SAMMY GYAMFI ESQ.
(National Communication Officer)