The incident occurred at a recent NPP press conference, where Alhaji Masawudu was captured on video forcefully pushing down a TV3 microphone placed in front of him. The action, described by Media General as “unprovoked,” took place in full view of party officials and media personnel.

The matter escalated after the NPP executive reportedly granted an interview to Kumasi-based ASHH FM, where he issued a direct threat, warning that Media General journalists would be physically assaulted if they attended any future NPP events.

In a statement released on Friday, April 18, 2025, the company expressed grave concern over what it called an attack not just on its brand, but on the very foundation of press freedom in Ghana.

The company said such conduct undermines the constitutional rights of journalists and poses a threat to the safety of media professionals across the country.

“In view of this, Media General has lodged an official complaint with the Ghana Police Service urging a full investigation and action against Alhaji Osman Masawudu to guarantee the safety of our journalists and media personnel in the discharge of their lawful duties.” The statement added.

They thus seek a thorough investigation into the matter and appropriate action to ensure that its journalists can carry out their duties without fear or intimidation. The company also called on civil society groups, media stakeholders, and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to stand in solidarity in defending the rights and freedoms of the press.

Despite the disturbing incident, the reaffirmed its commitment to impartial, courageous, and professional journalism, saying it will not be intimidated or silenced. The development comes at a time when concerns are growing over the safety of journalists in the country.

What is the position of the law?

Threat to harm is an established crime in Ghana under section 74 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29). It states;

a person who threatens any other person with unlawful harm, with the intent to put that person in fear of unlawful harm commits a misdemeanour.

A crime is said to be a misdemeanour where it’s punishment does not exceed three years imprisonment and may  also attract less form of punishment such as fines. It is always a question of fact as to whether the words used by an accused or the conduct of an accused constitute threat or not. According to section 17(2) of Act 29, threat also includes to abstain from doing, or to procure any other person to abstain from doing, anything the threat of which is a threat under section 17(1).

Threat must relate to bodily harm. Secttion 1 of the Criminal Offences Act, 19660 (Act 29) defines harm as

a bodily hurt, disease or disorder, whether permanent or temporary

Where  person is accused of threat to harm, the accused act should relate to threating physical harm to the victim. According to section 17(4) of Act 29,

it is immaterial whether a threat is conveyed to a person by words, or by writing, or in any other manner, and whether it is conveyed directly, or through any other person or in any other manner.

Admittedly, even if the accused was not in a position to carry out the threat, it may not make a difference if the intent was to put the victim in fear of harm.

Article 162(1) of the Constitution guarantees the freedom and independence of the media. The media is not subject to control or  interference by the government or any political party.  The 1992 Constitution of the Republic of Ghana under article 166(1) established the National Media Commission. The National Media Commission is independent and not subject to the direction or control of any person. One of the functions of the National Media Commission provided under article  is to ensure highest journalistic standards and also settle  complaints made before the commission against a media house.

Where a person has issues with the activities of a media house, the proper thing to do is to send a compliant to the National Media Commission and not to threat harm on the employees of the media house.