By On April 16, 2025, a press conference held by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) took an unexpected turn. Alhaji Osman Masawudu, the party’s 3rd National Vice Chairman, deliberately pushed a TV3 microphone to the floor. Masawudu later confirmed that the dramatic gesture was intentional. It was meant to signal the NPP’s refusal to engage with the media outlet.
They accused it of bias toward the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC). The incident has ignited a firestorm of criticism. Many are labeling Masawudu’s actions as unprofessional and damaging to the party’s image. Others see it as a bold stand against perceived media unfairness.
The press conference was attended by key NPP figures including General Secretary Justin Kodua Frimpong and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin. It was intended to address pressing political issues prior to the 2025 elections. However, Masawudu’s actions stole the spotlight. Eyewitnesses reported that as journalists set up their equipment, Masawudu singled out the TV3 microphone. He pushed it off the table in full view of attendees. The move reportedly caught Frimpong and Afenyo-Markin off guard. Sources close to the party indicated that the two leaders were visibly surprised. They were also uncomfortable with the display.
In a subsequent interview with Kumasi-based Ashh FM, Masawudu defended his actions, expressing no remorse. “I did it deliberately to send a clear message,” he stated. “TV3 has consistently shown bias in favor of the NDC, and we will not dignify their platform with our engagement.” Masawudu accused the media house of skewed reporting. He mentioned selective coverage that he claims undermines the NPP’s efforts. He insisted that the party’s leadership was united in its frustration with TV3. However, he stopped short of claiming their explicit support for his actions.
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from political analysts, media organizations, and even some within the NPP. Dr. Kwame Asare is a political communications expert at the University of Ghana. He described Masawudu’s behavior as “a step backward for political discourse.” In a statement to Citi News, he argued that frustrations with media bias are not uncommon. However, resorting to public displays of disrespect risks alienating voters. It also unnecessarily escalates tensions. “This was an opportunity to articulate grievances calmly and professionally, but instead, it became a spectacle,” he said.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) also weighed in, condemning Masawudu’s actions as an attack on press freedom. In a press release issued on April 17, 2025, the GJA called for an apology, emphasizing that journalists must be allowed to work without intimidation. “Such behavior sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the democratic role of the media,” the statement read. TV3, in its own response, denied allegations of bias, asserting that its coverage adheres to journalistic standards of fairness and objectivity.
Public reaction has been polarized, with social media platforms buzzing with commentary. On X, some users praised Masawudu for taking a stand against what they perceive as media manipulation by the NDC. “Finally, someone in the NPP is calling out TV3’s nonsense!” one post read, garnering thousands of likes. Others, however, slammed the Vice Chairman, arguing that his actions were immature and counterproductive. “This is not how you win elections. Masawudu just embarrassed the NPP on a national stage,” another user wrote.
Within the NPP, the incident has reportedly caused unease. Sources indicate that some party members are concerned about the potential fallout, particularly as the 2025 elections approach. The NPP has faced challenges in managing its public image in recent months, and Masawudu’s stunt risks further straining relations with the media, a critical stakeholder in the electoral process. While General Secretary Frimpong and Minority Leader Afenyo-Markin have remained tight-lipped, there are whispers of internal discussions about how to address the controversy.
Calls for Masawudu to apologize have grown louder, with opposition figures seizing the opportunity to paint the NPP as undisciplined. NDC Communications Officer Sammy Gyamfi described the incident as “a reflection of the NPP’s arrogance and intolerance.” In a press briefing on April 17, Gyamfi urged voters to reject what he called the NPP’s “politics of disrespect” in the upcoming elections.
As the dust settles, the incident raises broader questions about the relationship between political parties and the media in Ghana. Accusations of bias are not new, but Masawudu’s actions have brought the issue into sharp focus, highlighting the delicate balance between holding the media accountable and maintaining decorum. For the NPP, the challenge now is to navigate the fallout while keeping its electoral ambitions on track.
Whether Masawudu’s defiance will rally the NPP’s base or alienate undecided voters remains to be seen. What is clear, however, is that the fallen microphone has amplified a debate that will reverberate in Ghana’s political landscape for weeks to come.
