The Ghana Police Service has apologized to the media after some journalists were prevented from entering the courtroom during the arraignment of the Head Pastor of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah, and three others.
In a statement, the Police Service said a team is currently studying the footage of the alleged assault of some of the journalists to identify the alleged perpetrators for immediate prosecution.
“It has come to the attention of the Police Administration that yesterday, Monday, September 13, some journalists were prevented from entering the courtroom during the arraignment of the Head Pastor of the Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Reverend Isaac Owusu Bempah and three others.
“It has also been reported that some journalists were attacked and prevented from working at the court premises by some persons believed to be church members and supporters of the above-accused persons.
“A team is currently studying the footage of the alleged assault of some of the journalists to identify the alleged perpetrators for immediate prosecution. We apologise unreservedly for this inconvenience and wish to give the assurance that journalists will be fully protected and allowed to do their work at all times including the subsequent coverage of this case. We will continue to do everything possible to deepen the cordial Police-Media relationship.”
Reverend Isaac Owusu-Bempah, was on Monday remanded into Police custody by an Accra High Court. Rev Owusu-Bempah and four others Mensah Ofori, Michael Boateng, Frederick Ohene and Nathaniel Agyekum were together charged with six counts.
They have all pleaded not guilty to the charges pressed against them for threatening to kill Patricia Oduro Koranteng, popularly known as Nana Agradaa.
While Owusu Bempah and Mensah Ofori were charged with two counts of Offensive Conduct Conducive to the breach of peace and threat of death, the remaining three were also charged with assault on a public officer.
One other person is at large.
Their lawyers led by Lawyer Garry Nimako Marfo prayed for the accused persons to be granted bail, but the prosecution led by Chief Inspector Dennis Terkpetey opposed the bail.
It was the case of the prosecution that two of the police officers they assaulted are still on admission at the hospital.
