Ignite Media Group (IMG), owners of Metro TV, Original TV, and Original 91.1 FM, has issued a strong condemnation of an armed invasion at their North Ridge offices in Accra on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. The attack occurred during a live broadcast of Good Morning Ghana, causing widespread panic among staff and viewers.
Incident Details
Around 9:30 am, an auctioneer identified as George Addo, the Director of Geld Mart, entered the premises alongside a court bailiff and armed police officers. According to IMG, the group forcibly broke into the studio with the intent to disrupt the live broadcast. The abrupt invasion terminated the programme, leaving staff and security personnel in shock.
This is not the first instance involving George Addo. In a similar incident last year, he allegedly led masked police officers in an unsuccessful attempt to seize Dr. Randy Abbey’s vehicle as he arrived to host Good Morning Ghana.
Injuries and Immediate Response
During the recent attack, excessive force reportedly resulted in injuries, including a head wound sustained by a private security officer. The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akuffo Dampare, personally intervened by dispatching a team to restore order. The auctioneer, bailiff, and armed policemen were directed to leave the premises.
Dr. Dampare assured IMG of a thorough investigation into the incident and pledged to enhance security measures at their offices to prevent future occurrences.
IMG’s Statement
IMG criticized the actions of George Addo and his team, emphasizing the need for lawful and respectful execution of court orders. They condemned the intimidation and disruption caused, calling for accountability and adherence to legal processes.
The media organization highlighted the importance of press freedom and the safety of its staff, urging authorities to take decisive action to prevent such incidents from reoccurring.
This latest incident has sparked discussions about the protection of media houses and the enforcement of court rulings in a manner that respects the rights of all parties involved.
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