PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: June 8, 2025
UPDN Commends Police Arrest in Latif Iddrisu Assault Case, Urges Further Investigation and Justice
The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) has received with cautious optimism the news of the arrest of a suspect, Mr. Theophilus Thompson, in connection with the assault on JoyNews journalist Mr. Latif Iddrisu during the recent protest at the EOCO premises on May 27, 2025.
We commend the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander and his team for this swift and commendable action. The arrest marks an important step in upholding press freedom, deterring impunity, and restoring public confidence in the protection of journalists within our democracy.
However, UPDN emphasizes that this arrest must not be the end of the process. We call for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to ensure that all individuals involved in the assault—both direct perpetrators and possible collaborators—are swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Journalists play a critical role in strengthening democratic governance, and any attack on a journalist is an attack on the freedom of expression and the public’s right to know. The violent assault on Mr. Iddrisu, while performing his lawful duties, is a stark reminder of the threats media professionals continue to face in the line of duty.
We also express our solidarity with Mr. Latif Iddrisu and the entire multimedia team. UPDN will continue to monitor the developments of this case and push for justice not just in words, but in concrete outcomes.
We urge the Ghana Police Service to intensify efforts to ensure the safety of all journalists, and we call on political parties, their supporters, and the general public to respect the essential role of the media in a free and democratic society.
About UPDN:
United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is an organization dedicated to promoting press freedom, media development, good and transparent governance, economic, environmental/climate change and sustainable development across Africa. Through capacity building, advocacy, and networking, UPDN empowers journalists and media organizations to uphold professional standards, foster governmental accountability, and advance public interest.
UPDN Communication Directorate
Kelvin Malor
(National Organizer)
024-599-5541
David Albert Quainoo
(South Korea Coordinator)
+82-10-2117-4780
Betty Boafo
(Secretary)
024-487-0055
Eric Nana Prekoh
(Media Relations Coordinator)
024-646-0428
William Hayford Mintah
(Central Region Coordinator)
024-476-6538
Frank Darlington Heymann
(International Relations Coordinator)
- Mostly available for English Interviews
0245414948
Signed
Rev. Kofi Asante Mensah
(President)
Tel: 024-469-0262
Office: 0302-965-325
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