In the early hours of Thursday, staff at Salt 95.9 FM were reportedly subjected to a distressing incident involving Kofi Asamoah, the NDC Parliamentary Candidate for Asante Akyem North. The incident took place during a live broadcast of the popular morning show Anopa Busuo, hosted by Samuel Acheampong, known to listeners as “Tugah.” Salt FM reports that the event has left staff shaken and raised pressing concerns about the safety of media workers as the area heads toward a tense election season.
The Manager on duty, Mr. Ishaq, recounted the events, stating that Mr. Kofi Asamoah of the NDC, accompanied by a group of individuals allegedly carrying weapons, attempted to force entry into the studio during the live broadcast. Security personnel on-site prevented the group from entering, averting what could have been a more dangerous situation. Mr. Ishaq highlighted that had it not been for the swift intervention of the security team, the incident could have escalated significantly, jeopardizing both staff safety and valuable studio equipment.
This confrontation reportedly stemmed from discussions held on Anopa Busuo earlier in the morning. Tugah mentioned a widely speculating public opinion about an alleged alliance between the NDC’s Mr Asamoah and the incumbent NPP MP, suggesting that the MP was providing financial support of GHC 500K to the NDC candidate in a bid to neutralize the influence of independent candidate Ohene Kwame Frimpong, known widely as “O.K. Frimpong,” the independent candidate has gained substantial traction within the constituency, marking him as a formidable challenger in the parliamentary race. The management of Salt FM felt Mr Asamoah and the NDC needed to address these reports publicly, considering the high-stakes political atmosphere in Asante Akyem North.
Instead of addressing the allegations constructively, Salt FM reports that Mr. Asamoah directed offensive language toward the host and management through a live call into the morning show. Shortly afterwards, he allegedly appeared at the station’s premises in person with individuals reportedly carrying weapons, attempting to confront staff and journalists directly. Witnesses have described the situation as tense and unsettling, but security personnel and staff managed to contain the situation professionally, even though an eyewitness confirmed the NDC candidate Mr Kofi Asamoah wielding a gun.
A couple of the Salt FM staff members were physically injured through attacks, and have reported to the local police in Asante Akyem North constituency.
The incident at Salt 95.9 FM underscores growing concerns around press freedom, the security of media personnel, and the necessity of civil discourse during this sensitive period.
Salt FM management expressed profound concern over this incident, emphasizing the essential role of media in facilitating transparent dialogue and urging political candidates to engage responsibly with journalists and media organizations. Media advocates are calling for immediate measures to ensure the safety of journalists and are urging all political actors to maintain decorum and foster a safe environment for reporting, which is vital to upholding democracy and informed public discourse ahead of the upcoming general elections.
