Two ‘NDC Boys’ Slapped With GH¢3,600 Fine For Assaulting Journalist
The Tamale District Court has slapped a GH¢3,600 fine on a former National Democratic Congress (NDC) Northern Regional Communications Officer and his accomplice for assaulting a presenter of Dagbon Radio in Tamale.
They appeared before the court on Wednesday, May 10, on charges of conspiracy to commit a crime to wit assault, unlawful entry, and threat of death.
The accused persons pleaded guilty to all charges after the 4th count of threat of death was later withdrawn by the prosecution.
Lawyers for the accused prayed for a non-custodial sentence as the accused persons have shown remorse for their actions.
The court, presided over by His Worship Amadu Issifu, then sentenced them to a fine of 300 penalty units, amounting to GH¢3,600 or, in default, serve 18 months in prison.
Before his ruling, the judge cautioned the defendants not to repeat such unlawful acts that have the tendency to ignite conflicts, citing the Rwanda genocide as an example.
He further urged hosts of political shows and their guests to be circumspect in their pronouncements and actions.
In the viral video, the two suspects were captured storming the facility on Wednesday, May 3.
The attackers immediately grabbed the broadcaster by the neck to drag him out of the studio.
The scuffle became intense as the presenter fought off his attackers, with all three leaving the studio after the heated exchange.
Reports suggest that the Dagbon Radio journalist had criticized the former NDC communicator for talking about the Abudu and Andani conflict on a campaign platform.
Mr Pagazaa didn’t take his criticisms kindly and decided to attack him in the studio.
The incident sparked outrage among Ghanaians, with many calling for the former NDC official to be brought to justice.