The Ghana Police Service has suspended an officer who was caught on video assaulting a journalist at a polling station in Ablekuma North. The incident occurred when the journalist refused to leave during election duty. In a statement, the Police Service confirmed that the officer has been removed from his duties for the Ablekuma North re-run election. “In accordance with our internal disciplinary procedures, he has been suspended and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for further investigation,” the statement read.
The Service further assured the public, “We would like to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter and further updates will be communicated.” The incident, captured in a viral video, shows the officer physically confronting a reporter identified only as Banahene. According to Mr. Banahene, the officer approached him and demanded that he leave the premises despite other media personnel being allowed to remain. “He just came to tell me that I should leave the premises. Meanwhile, there were other media guys at the premises, he didn’t ask anybody to leave but he just approached me to leave,” Mr. Banahene told reporters.
When the journalist refused to leave, insisting on fulfilling his professional duty to report on unfolding events, the situation escalated. “I said no I can’t go — what if I go and something happens? How do I report?” Banahene explained. “He was pushing me and he slapped me in the face for no reason. I have not done anything wrong to anybody.”
By: Kareen Tei