Ablekuma: Mr. Banahene Agyekum, a journalist with the EIB Network, has alleged that a police officer physically assaulted him while covering the Ablekuma North Constituency rerun elections. The incident reportedly occurred at the Church of Pentecost North Odorkor 2 polling station, where the officer allegedly slapped him during a confrontation, resulting in a cut and swelling on his right cheek. Mr. Agyekum also reported blurry vision and unstable eye movement following the altercation.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Agyekum recounted, 'I came here to cover the elections, and as I was seated monitoring proceedings, one officer approached me and asked that I leave. I told him I couldn't leave because I was there on official duty. Without any provocation, he pushed and slapped me. I didn't catch his name, but I can identify him when I see him.' He said the officer in charge at the polling station advised him to lodge a formal complaint at the nearest police station, which he intended to do.
An eyewitness, who requested anonymity, confirmed the journalist's account. 'I was standing right by him when the officer walked up and asked what he was doing there. He said he was a journalist, and the officer replied, 'and so what?' As they exchanged words, the officer suddenly slapped him.' The witness added, 'Like Mr. Agyekum, I didn't see the officer's name, but I can identify him if I see him.'
Voting at the polling station continued under heightened security. The Ablekuma North Constituency is among areas where rerun elections are being held to address disputes from 19 polling stations following the 2024 General Election.
