The Ghana Police officer who was interdicted for assaulting a EIB Network journalist during the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency has officially been charged with criminal assault.
The incident occurred on Friday, July 11, and involved Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, who was covering the election process.
Despite identifying himself and wearing branded press attire, Banahene was physically assaulted by the officer.
Following public outcry, the Ghana Police Service confirmed the interdiction of the officer and his immediate withdrawal from election duties.
The matter was then referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.
In a statement released on Thursday, July 17, the police noted, “The Police have also gathered vital leads and wish to assure the public that arrests will be effected soon. Meanwhile, the victims involved in the incidents have been issued with Police Medical Report Forms. “
“In line with due process, the Police Officer captured in one of the videos, assaulting a journalist who was interdicted, has been held for criminal charges of assault.”
The assault has drawn widespread condemnation from media stakeholders and civil society groups.
The EIB Network, Banahene’s employer, quickly called for swift and decisive action and raised concerns over the increasing number of attacks on journalists in the line of duty.
The Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB), on Monday, July 14, visited the premises of the EIB Network to engage directly with Mr. Banahene and other key stakeholders of the organization.
The rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency was organized by the Electoral Commission to resolve verification issues from the December 2024 general elections.
Meanwhile, the police have reiterated commitment to ensure perpetrators who caused violence are dealt with accordingly.
Below is the statement:
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
