Ghana: Private Radio Station Attacked

The management of privately-owned North Star, a radio station in Tamale, capital of the Northern region of Ghana on June 9, 2010 suspended indefinitely members of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) from participating in the station’s programmes.

According to the them, the suspension   was  to  protect  the  station  from  frequent  attacks  by  persons they  believed to be sympathizers  of   the  NDC.

The  director of  North Star,  Adams Cockra told  Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) that the first attack occurred on June 8 after a newspaper review programme  that  discussed  a   demonstration  by a faction  in an ethnic conflict.

Two royal families in Northern Ghana, the Abudu and Andani have been in a longstanding feud that has divided the two clans across the main political parties in Ghana. The North Star is owned by Alhaji Aliu Mahama, an Abudu and a former Vice President in Ghana during the last administration of Ex-President John Kufuor.

Cockra alleged that the NDC panelist incited the Andanis against the station during the programme, a situation which led to an abrupt end of the programme.

The assailants reportedly attacked the station again on June 9, resulting in destruction of the glass windows of the station.

Reacting to the allegations, Tanko Computer, northern regional operations director of the NDC distanced the party from the attack, saying their party does not support violence. He said they had met with the station’s management and would also conduct their own investigations into the matter.

In an interview with the Metropolitan Police Commander, ASP Caesar Abanga, he confirmed the attack but said they were unable to blame any particular   group because the complainants are not cooperating in the investigations. Cockra has, however, dismissed the assertion of the police.

For further information please contact:

Kwame Karikari (Prof) Executive Director MFWA Accra Tel: 233-30-22 4 24 70 Fax: 233-302-22 10 84 Email: mfwa@africaonline.com.ghThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , alerts@mediafound.orgThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it Website: www.mediafound.org

- June 21, 2010 by Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)

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Source: www.mediafound.org/index.php