Press Freedom Under Fire: GHOne TV Journalist Allegedly Slapped by Police Officer at Ablekuma North Rerun
Journalist alleges assault by police officer while covering Ablekuma North election rerun
- GHOne journalist allegedly slapped by police officer at polling station
- Incident raises concerns over press freedom and media safety
- Journalist plans formal complaint to Accra Regional Police Command
Tensions flared during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun when a GHOne TV journalist was allegedly assaulted by a police officer at the Church of Pentecost, North Odorkor Polling 2 Station.
According to report, the incident occurred as the journalist, who identified himself as Banahene, attempted to access the inner perimeter of the polling center to cover the event. Despite the presence of other media personnel, the officer reportedly singled him out and demanded that he leave the area.
“He just walked up to me and told me to leave,” Banahene said. “There were other journalists there, but he didn’t ask them to go.”
Refusing to comply, Banahene argued that his journalistic duty required him to remain at the scene. “What if I leave and something happens? How do I report it?” he said.
The situation escalated when the officer allegedly pushed and slapped him. “I didn’t provoke him. I did nothing wrong,” Banahene added, condemning the action as a violation of press freedom and unprofessional behavior from a law enforcement officer.
“This is a clear disregard for the rights of journalists. If police officers, who should know the law, act like this, where is press freedom?” he asked.
Banahene stated that he plans to file a formal complaint with the Accra Regional Police Command on Monday. He also mentioned that the Mayor of Accra has reached out to him and encouraged him to pursue the issue officially.
As of now, the Ghana Police Service has not issued any comment regarding the incident.
