The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the assault on three journalists during the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency, describing the attacks as “brutal and unprovoked.”
The victims — Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of the EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM), Salomey Martey of JoyNews, and Vida Wiafe from Amansan TV — were reportedly attacked while covering the elections on Friday, July 11.
At a press briefing, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor expressed dismay that the inauguration of the Association’s new executive team had been overshadowed by violence against journalists.
“Colleagues, the National Executive of the GJA is saddened and worried that today that we had a beautiful swearing-in ceremony after a successful election, which calls for celebration, some of our colleagues have been subjected to inhumane treatments at the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency,” Mr. Dwumfuor stated.
He described the attack on Banahene, who was wearing clearly branded press attire, as a serious violation of press freedom.
“Videos circulating capture the uniformed officer slapping Mr. Banahene, despite the journalist being visibly identifiable in a branded outfit and performing his duties. This egregious act is a direct assault on press freedom, a fundamental pillar of our democracy, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” he said.
He further noted, “The GJA is glad that Mr. Banahene has filed an official complaint with the police and also visited a hospital in the area for treatment.”
The Association criticized the conduct of the police officer involved and called for swift accountability.
“The GJA views this incident with the utmost gravity and is appalled that officers in uniform who are expected to know better and protect civilians and journalists against attack are the ones callously attacking journalists,” Mr. Dwumfuor said.
According to him, journalists are vital to democratic processes, ensuring transparency, accountability, and public access to information — adding that any attempt to intimidate, harass, or physically harm them is a violation of democratic principles.
Calling for a full investigation, the GJA urged the Ghana Police Service to take immediate action.
“This incident is particularly troubling as it involves a member of the Ghana Police Service, an institution entrusted with upholding law and order and protecting all citizens. Such actions by a police officer not only undermine public trust in the security agencies but also severely tarnish the image of Ghana as a country that respects human rights and press freedom,” Mr. Dwumfuor said.
The GJA pledged its support to the affected journalists and vowed to pursue justice, while also calling for the identification and disciplinary action against both the police officer and the civilian attacker.
