The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned what it describes as a brutal and unprovoked assault on two journalists who were covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, July 11.
Addressing the press, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor expressed disappointment that the day, which also marked the swearing-in of newly elected GJA national executives, had been marred by acts of violence against journalists.
“Colleagues, the National Executive of the GJA is saddened and worried that today that we had a beautiful swearing-in ceremony after a successful election, which calls for celebration, some of our colleagues have been subjected to inhumane treatments at the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency,” he said.
According to the GJA, two journalists, Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of the EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM) and Salomey Martey of JoyNews, were assaulted while covering the electoral process.
“The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) vehemently condemns the brutal and unprovoked assault on Mr. 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 Martey, while they were diligently covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Constituency,” the President stated.
“Videos circulating clearly capture the uniformed officer slapping Mr. Banahene, despite the journalist being visibly identifiable in a branded outfit and performing his duties. This egregious act is a direct assault on press freedom, a fundamental pillar of our democracy, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” he added.
While Mr. Banahene was reportedly slapped by a uniformed police officer, Salomey Martey was also allegedly attacked by an unidentified hooligan during coverage of the same event.
The GJA has confirmed that Mr. Banahene has filed a formal complaint with the police and sought medical treatment.
“The GJA is glad that Mr. Banahene has filed an official complaint with the police and also visited a hospital in the area for treatment,” the Association said.
The GJA emphasized the gravity of the incident and called out the conduct of the police officer involved.
“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,” Mr. Dwumfuor said.
Reiterating the critical role of the press in the electoral process, he stated: “Journalists play an indispensable role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public access to information, especially during critical electoral processes. Any attempt to intimidate, harass, or physically harm journalists in the line of duty is an affront to democratic principles and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms.”
He further called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
“This incident is particularly troubling as it involves a member of the Ghana Police Service, an institution entrusted with upholding law and order and protecting all citizens. Such actions by a police officer do not only undermine public trust in the security agencies but also severely tarnish the image of Ghana as a country that respects human rights and press freedom.”
The GJA assured the public and its membership that it would not relent in seeking justice.
“The GJA stands in unwavering solidarity with Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene and Salomey Martey, who were assaulted by an unknown hooligan, and will offer all necessary support to ensure that justice is served.”
This clash occurred amidst heightened tensions at the St Peter’s Society Methodist Church polling station in Odorkor, where violent disruptions included the attacks on former MP Mavis Hawa Koomson and several other individuals.
The GJA has called for swift and decisive action, demanding that the offending officer and the hoodlum be identified, disciplined, and held accountable to ensure the safety of journalists in future coverage of public affairs.