By Francis Kobena Tandoh
President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, on Friday called for the prosecution of the police officer who assaulted journalists in the line of duty during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun.
Addressing a press conference in the Ghanaian capital of Accra, Mr. Dwumfour condemned the assault on Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, a journalist with the EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM), by a police officer and a JoyNews reporter of the Multimedia Group, Salomey Nartey, while they were diligently covering the parliamentary election rerun in the constituency.
He commended the police authorities for the swift manner in which the said officer had been interdicted but urged disciplinary measures be taken against him.
“We have seen the statement by the Police Administration, which announced the interdiction of the officer involved in the attack. The GJA commends the police administration for the action, but we demand an immediate, thorough, and transparent investigation into this matter. We call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohonu, to act and ensure that swift and decisive disciplinary action is taken to serve as a deterrent to others,” said the GJA President.
Mr. Dwumfour described the assault on the journalists as appalling, especially by people who, according to him, have been trained to protect civilians.
“The GJA views this incident with the utmost gravity and is appalled that officers in uniform who are expected to know better and protect civilians and journalists against attack are the ones callously attacking journalists,” he said.
The GJA president urged all security agencies to educate their personnel on the critical role of the media in a democratic society and to respect the rights of journalists to work without fear or intimidation.
“The safety and security of journalists are paramount, and any threat to them is a direct threat to our collective freedom of expression and the integrity of our democratic processes,” Mr. Dwumfour further stated.
He assured the GJA stands in unwavering solidarity with Kwabena Agyekum Banahene and Salomey Nartey, who were assaulted by unknown hooligans, and will offer all necessary support to ensure that justice is served.
He further indicated the GJA will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to prevent future occurrences of this abhorrent practice, especially in light of the renewed assurances from the government for a free press.
Videos circulating on social media capture the uniformed officer slapping Banahene, despite the journalist being visibly identifiable in a branded outfit and performing his duties.
According to Banahene, he was covering activities at the polling area when the officer approached and demanded that he leave the premises, and he told him he could not do so because if he left, he would not be able to report on events that unfolded behind him.
Banahene said, “Suddenly, he shoved me and slapped me across the face without any provocation. I had not wronged anyone.”
According to him, the force of the slap left his eyes shaking, praying that he will not suffer any long-term damage.
Meanwhile, Ghana Eye Report checks indicate Banahene has filed an official complaint with the police and also visited a hospital in the area for treatment. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Share Us
