Accra: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on the Ghana Police Service to press criminal charges against the police officer who reportedly attacked a journalist during the Ablekuma North election rerun and prosecute him. The Association said the interdiction of the officer was not enough, and that they needed to press criminal charges against him for his actions.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the GJA, made the call when he addressed journalists on the incident at the Press Centre, in Accra, on Friday. "We demand an immediate, thorough, and transparent criminal investigation into this matter, since it was a case of assault. Assault is a second-degree felony," he said.
Mr. Dwumfour emphasized the importance of monitoring the situation closely and engaging with relevant stakeholders to prevent future occurrences of such practices. He urged the Inspector General of Police to ensure swift and decisive disciplinary action to deter others from similar conduct.
The Association has given the Police Service a deadline of Monday, July 13, to publicize the prosecutorial actions taken against the officer. The incident was particularly concerning as it involved a Divisional Commander tasked with upholding law and order and protecting citizens.
The GJA expressed its dismay at the incident, highlighting the crucial role journalists play in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public access to information, especially during elections. Any attempt to intimidate or harm journalists is seen as an affront to democratic principles.
The assaulted journalist, Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of the EIB Network, was attacked by a police officer during the elections rerun at the Ablekuma North Constituency.
