NPP Slams Alleged Threat Against Jennifer Queen During Live Show
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has publicly condemned an alleged threat of assault directed at its Deputy Director of Communications, Jennifer Oforiwaa Queen, during a live political programme on United Television (UTV). The incident reportedly occurred on the station's Adekye Nsroma morning show, where a heated discussion took an unfortunate turn.
According to Richard Ahiagbah, the party's Director of Communications, the threat came from Hopeson Yaovi Adorye, a panelist representing the Movement for Change. The alleged remark, made in the heat of a political exchange, was seen as not only inappropriate but also a direct affront to the values of Ghana’s maturing democracy.
Mr Ahiagbah’s official statement urged the media and the public to treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves. He expressed grave concern over what he described as a worrying pattern of disrespect towards women in political leadership roles. Highlighting Ghana’s strides in promoting inclusive politics, he noted that such threats—whether verbal or physical—undermine the progress being made in encouraging women to participate in governance and national dialogue.
He stressed the need for political discourse in Ghana to be rooted in civility, tolerance, and mutual respect, especially with the nation preparing for crucial elections. Mr Ahiagbah called on all media outlets, especially United Television, to establish strict guidelines to prevent such undemocratic behaviour during live programmes. His call aimed to protect political commentators and ensure a safe environment for robust debate.
The NPP sees the alleged incident as a dangerous precedent that could have broader implications on public perception and political engagement. Mr Ahiagbah reminded stakeholders that freedom of speech should never be used as a license for threats or intimidation. He further stated that such conduct does not belong in Ghana’s democratic space, especially at a time when the country is working to build trust between political institutions and the citizenry.
So far, neither Mr Adorye nor representatives from the Movement for Change have responded to the allegations. The silence has sparked curiosity across media circles and among political observers, many of whom await clarification or an official statement to address the matter.
Mr Ahiagbah concluded his address with a passionate appeal for political parties, media houses, and civil society to rally around shared democratic values and foster a political atmosphere where ideas can clash without personal threats. He reiterated that the success of Ghana’s democracy lies in the ability of all parties to engage peacefully, regardless of ideological differences.
As the incident continues to attract public attention, many are watching to see how it will be handled by the relevant parties and institutions. The NPP’s bold stance has already generated debate on the ethics of political commentary and the standards of conduct expected from political representatives on national platforms.