Despite Group begs NPP over Okay, Neat FM boycott

The management of Despite Group of Companies, owners of Peace FM, and other media stations, is pleading with the leadership of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), to rescind its decision to boycott discussions on two of its radio stations, Okay FM Neat FM.

“It is our hope that you review your decision to boycott Okay FM and Neat FM. Our doors are always widely opened to you as we all contribute our quota to develop our nation,” a statement issued by management of the stations said.

The NPP on Sunday directed its communicators to refrain from patronizing the two stations; Okay FM and Neat FM, because according to them, they “consistently discuss all matters of the NPP with a negative slant.”
According to the political party, all attempts to ensure a balanced representation of the NPP on the stations have proved futile hence the directive.

“Several letters, phone calls and face to face discussions between us and other management members, the producers and host of the programmes, to desist from this unethical practice of journalism have gone unheeded,” the statement added.
“The NPP is a firm believer and practitioner of multi-party democracy, with freedom of expression as its cornerstone, but the Party also believes in the exercise of this freedom with responsibility, and in this case, professionalism.”

But the statement from the Despite Group stated that “as a company, we stand to be neutral and do not in any way manipulate our audience when we offer them our platform. Since we commenced operations in the media industry, we have tried as a station to maintain our neutrality regardless of the political heat in the country at any given time. We do not intend nor have thought of creating a politically biased station in Ghana as we do understand the consequences of such a decision.”

It added, “We appreciate you prompting us on your observations regarding two of our hosts, Kwame Nkrumah Tikesie and Adakabre Frimpong Manso. Management would ensure that our programs are in the larger interest of the Ghanaian public and not any political party,” the statement added.