The Ghana Police Service has interdicted an officer captured in a viral video assaulting a journalist from the EIB Network during the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, July 11, involved Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, who was covering the election process. The officer in question was seen physically assaulting the journalist, despite Banahene reportedly identifying himself and wearing a clearly branded outfit.
The Ghana Police Service have confirmed the interdiction of the officer and stated that he has been withdrawn from election duties. The case has also been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.
“The Ghana Police Service has monitored a viral video in which one of our officers is seen assaulting a reporter. The officer concerned has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North; and in line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been interdicted and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation,” the statement read.
The Police Service assured the public of a thorough investigation and pledged to provide further updates in due course.
READ: EIB reporter attacked by police during Ablekuma North rerun
The incident has drawn criticism from media stakeholders and civil society groups, with the EIB Network calling for swift and decisive action. The network also expressed concern over the increasing number of attacks on journalists in the line of duty.
The rerun in Ablekuma North was organized by the Electoral Commission to address verification issues from the December 2024 general elections. The constituency has remained without a Member of Parliament due to the unresolved collation process.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
