FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, 29th May 2025
UPDN STRONGLY CONDEMNS ASSAULT ON JOYNEWS REPORTER LATIF IDDRISU – CALLS FOR URGENT POLICE INVESTIGATION AND JUSTICE
The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) expresses its outrage and utter condemnation of the unprovoked and barbaric assault on JoyNews journalist, Mr. Latif Iddrisu, by alleged supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), during his professional coverage of Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako’s (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi) detention at the EOCO headquarters on Tuesday, 27th May 2025.
It is both deeply disturbing and unacceptable that in a democratic dispensation like ours, journalists who serve as the fourth estate of the realm, and who risk their lives daily to inform the public, continue to be targets of political violence and repression. The physical attack on Mr. Iddrisu, including slaps and objects hurled at him amidst threats and insults, amounts to a direct assault not just on a journalist, but on press freedom, democracy, and the rule of law in Ghana.
We are further appalled that this act of criminality occurred in broad daylight, outside a law enforcement facility, and amidst a growing crowd of party sympathizers. This emboldened lawlessness must not be tolerated or normalized.
UPDN is demanding the following immediate actions:
- A full-scale investigation by the Ghana Police Service into the circumstances surrounding the assault on Mr. Latif Iddrisu.
- Swift arrest and prosecution of all perpetrators involved in this shameful attack.
- An unqualified public apology from the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) for the behavior of their supporters, and a public commitment to nonviolence and respect for press freedom.
- A clear assurance from the Ghanaian state that journalists will be protected in the discharge of their constitutional mandate.
We urge all media houses, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and the general public to speak up and stand in solidarity with Mr. Iddrisu and all journalists who are constantly under threat for doing their jobs.
The United Press for Development Network will not rest until justice is served in this matter. We shall pursue all lawful and democratic means to ensure that impunity does not take root in our country.
An attack on one journalist is an attack on all. And we will not be silent.
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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