The management of United Television (UTV) has suspended two political shows by the two major political parties in Ghana, “Nokw3r3 Mmr3” by the NDC and “Asempa Y3 Tia” by the NPP.
This was according to a legal suit filed by Ibrahim Mahama to the TV channel to retract and apologize as a result of a defamatory statement made by the NPP host of Asempa Ye Tia, Ernest Owusu Bempah who alleged that Ibrahim Mahama was given a bauxite concession by his brother, John Dramani Mahama during his time as president.
Below is the full statement from the TV channel on suspension of both programmes;
“The Management of United Television (UTV), regrettably seek to inform you of our decision to suspend the programs mentioned above, which currently airs on our network on Saturdays at 7 pm and Mondays at 9pm respectively.
This unfortunate decision has been taken due to the numerous allegations and legal actions the station has been faced with and subsequent settlements it has entered into which emanated from the airing of the programs.
UTV’s willingness to allow your political party to purchase airtime and host your own programs on our channel was as a mutt of the restrictions imposed by the President due to COVID-19 pandemic, which does not allow mass gatherings and rallies. Knowing very well that as we are at the peak of an election year, the programs would offer both party’s the opportunity to reach a larger audience. Thus the aim of the programs as agreed was to allow your outfit to disseminate your campaign message and details of your manifesto to the general public in order for Ghanaians to make informed decisions during the 2020 Elections.
The program took a different turn when same was aired. To protect our brand, avoid legal suits, retraction and apologies management has decided to suspend the program until further notice.
We welcome any opportunity to discuss further, how our network can be made available to your outfit to educate the people of Ghana on your party’s policies and manifesto ahead of the December 7 elections which will not seek to place the station at a, legal risk and maintain our station’s ( UTV) unbiasedness in Ghanaian politics and reportage in general.
Source: GhanaFeed.com
