Social Media Anger As Alleged NPP Thugs Invade United Showbiz
There was a significant disturbance in the studios of United Showbiz on UTV when a group of thugs, allegedly sent by NPP’s Ernest Owusu Bempah, forcefully entered the premises with the intention of attacking the panelists, particularly A Plus.
These hooligans, believed to be affiliated with the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP), stormed the UTV studios on Saturday, October 7, 2023, causing an immediate halt to the live broadcast of United Showbiz. Approximately seven minutes into the program, the background noise became increasingly agitated as the host, Mzgee, introduced the show.
The host’s visible confusion was followed by an extended pause in production, ultimately leading to the program being taken off the air. Numerous reports have since emerged, shedding light on the incident and suggesting that the disruption was caused by a group of men who entered the studios with hostile intentions.
According to these reports, the agitated individuals specifically targeted Kwame Asare Obeng, also known as A Plus, who is a regular panel member on the show. They entered the studio with the apparent aim of confronting him. Videos subsequently shared on social media depict a scene of chaos within the UTV studio, with multiple individuals calling out for A Plus.
“We are waiting for A Plus today… A Plus has to explain to us why he tore our paper from the NPP party. We are here, we are waiting for A Plus. We are protecting our party property,” one of the men is heard shouting in the studio.
Background
On September 30, 2023, esteemed musician and activist Kwame A Plus made a public appearance on live television to express his disapproval of a letter addressed to the management of UTV by the New Patriotic Party.
The letter, which demanded reforms to the United Showbiz program, was read aloud by A Plus during the September 30 broadcast, where he proceeded to vehemently criticize its content and the appropriateness of its issuance.
A Plus referred to the letter as “ineffective” and raised concerns about its potential to tarnish the reputation of the NPP, thereby potentially undermining the clear constitutional provisions regarding media independence.
In a symbolic act, A Plus tore his copy of the letter into pieces, emphasizing the revolting nature of its contents. He further highlighted that the receipt of threatening calls aimed at shutting down UTV United Showbiz only served to reinforce the repugnance of the letter.
Additionally, A Plus pointed out that a significant majority, approximately 90%, of UTV’s viewership comprised NPP supporters, who were consistently praised for their contributions to the station.
“NPP members should refrain from such actions and never write such a letter again. This letter is absurd.
“Nobody in this country can dictate what we do on this show, especially when the President of Ghana is a seasoned lawyer who believes in the rule of law. Don’t ever write such things again,” he stressed.
The NPP leadership had written to UTV, expressing concern that panelists on the United Showbiz program frequently criticized and mocked the government. This trend, they argued, raised questions about the program’s motives and noted an unwarranted surge in disparaging comments targeting President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia during recent episodes.
