Government Condemns Attack on GHOne Journalist During Ablekuma North Parliamentary Election Re-run

Government Condemns Attack on GHOne Journalist During Ablekuma North Parliamentary Election Re-run

The Government of Ghana has strongly condemned the alleged assault on a journalist from GHOne Television during the re-run of the Ablekuma North parliamentary elections, describing the incident as unacceptable and a threat to press freedom.

At the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected National Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Minister of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, addressed the disturbing development and called on the Inspector General of Police to initiate immediate investigations into the incident.

“The government does not condone any form of assault on journalists. We are committed to ensuring that all journalists are protected in the line of duty, and this case must be investigated thoroughly,” he stated.

The journalist, Banahene Agyekum, was allegedly attacked by a police officer while covering voting activities during the election re-run. The exact circumstances remain unclear, but eyewitnesses—including Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey—have confirmed the altercation.

Mayor Allotey, who was on the ground, criticized the conduct of the officer involved, calling him “hot-tempered” and unfit for duty during such sensitive national exercises.

“He needs to be replaced immediately. His behavior was aggressive and inappropriate for someone in uniform,” the Mayor said.

Government Pledges Protection for Journalists

Felix Kwakye Ofosu also used the occasion to reaffirm the government’s commitment to protecting press freedom and emphasized that the media are essential partners in the fight against misinformation.

“We count on journalists as critical allies in safeguarding democracy. Acts of violence against them will not be tolerated,” he added.

The incident has since  drawn sharp reactions from media rights advocates .

The Ministry of Communication and the GJA are expected to follow up on the case in the coming days as pressure mounts on law enforcement to act decisively.