I deliberately pushed down TV3’s microphone

Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the 3rd National Vice Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has stated that he deliberately pushed the TV3 microphone to the floor to signal the party’s disinterest in engaging with the media house.

The firebrand politician, at a press conference held by the Minority in Parliament on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, was captured on camera pushing the microphone of TV3 to the ground—an action that surprised both the party’s General Secretary, Justin Frimpong Kodua, and the Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who were seated with him.

It’s unclear whether Media General, which operates TV3, was officially invited to the press conference.

The NPP caucus has, on several occasions, accused the media house of exhibiting bias in favor of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

The action has sparked criticism, with many condemning the Vice Chairman’s behavior as inappropriate and unprofessional. Others have called on him to apologise for his actions, but he has declined.

However, in an interview with Kumasi-based Ashh FM, Alhaji Osman Masawudu strongly defended his actions, saying he has no regrets about what he did.

He urged the media house to stay away from NPP programmes, essentially telling them to “stay in their corner.”

“It’s not the case that my hand accidentally hit the microphone to the floor. I intentionally pushed it to the floor. I was the one who pushed it to the floor because we do not need them at our programme. The way they [Media General] have been unfair to us—they should stay in their corner and allow us to do our thing. They shouldn’t come to any of our events.”

Alhaji Osman Masawudu further warned that punitive action would be taken against any party member who is caught appearing on any of the media house’s TV programmes.

“As I am talking now, if any communicator from the NPP appears on their platform, we are going to suspend that communicator.”

The largest opposition party in January 2025 announced that it has withdrawn from all Media General’s platforms, including TV3, 3 FM, and Onua FM.

The decision, communicated through a press release issued on January 26 and signed by the party’s communications director, Richard Ahiagbah, follows months of supposed failed attempts to address concerns over biased and unprofessional conduct by Media General hosts and management.

According to the NPP, repeated efforts to engage with the media house’s production team, hosts, and management have not resulted in meaningful change.

The party claims that despite assurances since 2023, the issues of biased moderation and inappropriate behaviour have continued.

“Though withdrawal is not our preferred course of action, we have been left with no other choice due to the stance of Media General’s management,” Ahiagbah stated in the release.

The NPP outlined several instances of misconduct, including one involving a regular guest on TV3 who reportedly made inflammatory remarks about former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

The party criticised the show’s host for failing to challenge or address the offensive comments, instead laughing them off.

The NPP also raised concerns about the political bias of TV3’s political panels, accusing the network of assembling groups that heavily favour one party over another, undermining fair representation.

The party has called on Media General to move away from what it describes as an activist stance and instead strive to become a more balanced platform that serves the information needs of Ghanaians.

KA

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