Metro TV: Police clarify disruption as enforcement of court order

The Ghana Police Service has clarified reports surrounding a disruption at the premises of Metro TV on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. According to a police statement issued that afternoon, the incident was related to the enforcement of a court order, not an attack as earlier reports suggested.

The police explained that officers accompanied a court bailiff and representatives of Vodacom Business (Ghana) Limited, the judgement creditor, to execute a court order against Metro TV. “Preliminary investigations indicate that upon a request from the court, police officers accompanied a court bailiff in the company of the judgement creditor to execute a court order,” the statement read.

The operation was met with resistance from Metro TV’s private security personnel, who prevented the bailiff from serving the court order. This led to a confrontation that disrupted activities at the station, including its flagship morning show, Good Morning Ghana.

Host Randy Abbey, speaking on air and later in a video shared on social media, described the incident as tense and disruptive. He stated that tensions rose when the team attempted to seize his personal vehicle, which he claimed was unrelated to Metro TV.

“They said they were here to enforce a court order. I asked, ‘Court order against who?’ They claimed it was against Metro TV, but this car isn’t for Metro TV. Why block my car? Am I Metro TV? Am I a shareholder or director?” he questioned.

Abbey further recounted how the team allegedly tried to force their way into the studio. Metro TV’s private security intervened, but two of its personnel sustained injuries in the process. “You may have noticed we had to take an abrupt break,” Abbey said during the broadcast. “It was due to some armed men and others trying to forcibly enter the studio. Our private security intervened, and unfortunately, some were injured. Police officers were also present, but we still don’t know why they were trying to access the studio.”

The police have launched an investigation into the matter and urged all parties, particularly Metro TV’s management and staff, to remain calm and cooperate.

“We urge the public, particularly the management and staff of Metro TV, to remain calm and cooperate with the police in the ongoing investigation,” the statement concluded.