BY Daniel Bampoe
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a strong call to the Ghana Police Service to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the violent assault of journalists covering the parliamentary rerun election in the Ablekuma North Constituency, stressing that press freedom must be respected and upheld at all times.
This demand was made during a press conference convened by the newly sworn-in National Executive of the GJA, led by President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, on the same day as the incident.
Ironically, the attacks occurred just hours after the swearing-in ceremony, where the Vice President, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, and the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, had both pledged the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of journalists and creating a conducive media environment.
However, that pledge was quickly overshadowed by reports that two journalists—Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of EIB Network (GHOne TV/Starr FM) and Salomey Nartey of JoyNews (Multimedia Group)—were assaulted while covering voting activities at polling centres in Ablekuma North.
According to Banahene, while filming events at a polling station, a uniformed police officer ordered him to vacate the area.
Upon his refusal, citing the need to observe and report from the location, the officer allegedly shoved and slapped him across the face without provocation.
Video evidence of the assault has since circulated widely online, showing the officer, Lumor clearly attacking the visibly identifiable journalist who was wearing branded gear.
“I was only doing my job. I told him I could not leave because I needed to observe what was happening behind me. Then, out of nowhere, he slapped me so hard that my eyes began to shake. I pray this doesn’t result in any long-term damage,” Banahene recounted.
He has since filed a formal complaint with the police and sought medical attention.
Addressing a press conference, GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour described the incident as a “deplorable and egregious act” that constitutes a direct attack on press freedom and a violation of human rights.
He expressed grave disappointment that members of a state institution charged with maintaining law and order would engage in such violence against journalists.
“What happened in Ablekuma North is not only shameful but a serious dent on the democratic credentials of this country,” said Albert Dwumfour.
“We are calling on the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohonu, to ensure the swift prosecution of the police officer involved. Interdiction is not enough. Prosecution is the only acceptable next step.”
He also highlighted a second disturbing incident in which another journalist, Salomey Nartey of JoyNews, was attacked by an unidentified thug while performing her duties.
Although details about that incident remain limited, the GJA vowed to follow up and ensure both journalists receive full support and protection.
While the Ghana Police Service has confirmed the interdiction of the offending officer, the GJA insists this must not be the end of the matter.
The GJA is demanding a full, transparent, and independent investigation to ensure accountability.
Moreover, the Association is urging all security agencies to sensitize personnel on the essential role of the media in promoting transparency and democracy. “Journalists are not enemies of the state. They are facilitators of democratic governance. Assaulting them is not just a personal attack—it’s an attack on democracy itself,” the GJA emphasized.
In closing, the President reaffirmed its solidarity with Banahene and Nartey, promising legal and moral support as they pursue justice.
The GJA says it will be engaging stakeholders at all levels, including Parliament, the Presidency, and civil society, to stem the growing trend of violence against journalists, especially during electoral processes.
“This is a test for Ghana’s democracy. The response of the Police Service and the Government of Ghana will determine whether or not press freedom truly has a place in our Republic,” the GJA concluded.
