GJA STATEMENT ON ASSAULT ON JOURNALISTS AT ABLEKUMA NORTH CONSTITUENCY ON JULY 11, 2025.
Good afternoon, Colleagues
We want to thank you for responding to our invitation even at a short notice.
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.
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 Nartey while they were diligently covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Constituency.
This deplorable incident occurred at the moment when the Vice President of Ghana, Her Excellency Prof. Jane Nana Opoku Agyemang and the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu were giving assurances of supporting the GJA in the fight against attacks on journalists and ensuring a favourable environment for the media to operate at the swearing-in ceremony of the newly-elected National Executive of the GJA in Accra. This stark contrast between stated commitment and on-the-ground reality is deeply alarming, unfortunate and unacceptable.
Videos circulating clearly capture the uniformed officer slapping Mr. 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 leaves the premises and he told him he could not do so because if he leaves, he would not be able to report on events that unfold behind him.
Mr Boahene narrated, and I quote: “Suddenly, he shoved me and slapped me across the face without any provocation. I had not wronged anyone,” unquote
He said the force of the slap left his eyes shaking praying that he will not suffer any long-term damage.
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.
We are told Mr. Banahene explicitly identified himself as a journalist and explained why he was presence at the polling station. However, the officer reportedly ordered him to vacate the premises before assaulting and injuring him. 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 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.
Ladies and Gentlemen, 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.
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.
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 deterrent to others.
We want the police to be bold in prosecuting the officer involved in the dastardly act.
Justice must be served for Mr. Banahene. A clear signal must be sent that such impunity will not be tolerated within the Ghana Police Service.
We urge 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.
The GJA stands in unwavering solidarity with Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene and Salomey Nartey WHO WAS ASSAULTED BY UNKNOWN HOOLIGAN and will offer all necessary support to ensure that justice is served.
We 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 government for a free press.
