BY Daniel Bampoe
In an emotional reaction to the recent assault on journalists covering the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on July 11, 2025, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has issued a scathing condemnation of the Ghana Police Service.
He warned that the media fraternity would no longer remain passive if state security fails to protect them.
Speaking in an interview on UTV, following an earlier press conference, Dwumfour stated unequivocally:
“We have the tools and weapons. If the police fail to protect journalists, we will protect ourselves.”
His comment came on the heels of a disturbing incident in which Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, a journalist with the EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM), was slapped and assaulted by a police officer in uniform while covering the election rerun.
Salomey Nartey, a JoyNews reporter, was also attacked by an unidentified individual at the same venue.
Assault Amid Celebrations
The incident occurred in stark contrast to the day’s earlier events—a celebration of press freedom and professionalism.
That same day, the GJA had hosted a swearing-in ceremony for its newly elected national executives.
The event was graced by Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang and Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minister of State in charge of Government Communications—both of whom assured media stakeholders of the government’s renewed commitment to protecting press freedom in Ghana.
Unfortunately, the symbolic pledge was quickly overshadowed by scenes of brutality on the ground.
Videos circulating online clearly show a uniformed officer assaulting Banahene despite him being visibly identifiable in his official journalist outfit and badge.
Victim’s Account
Recounting the assault, Banahene stated that he was performing his regular duty at the polling station when the officer demanded that he leave the premises.
When he explained that he was there to cover the process and could not abandon his post, the officer suddenly shoved and slapped him.
The blow reportedly left him dazed, with his vision temporarily impaired. He later filed a police complaint and sought medical attention at a nearby hospital.
Police Interdiction Not Enough
Following the incident, the Ghana Police Service announced the interdiction of the Adenta Divisional Police Commander, C/Supt. Lumor who slapped the journalist
But the GJA president said this is not enough.
“The police cannot take us for granted. The assault will not be taken lightly. Commander Lumor will be used as a scapegoat,” Dwumfour warned.
He added that while the GJA acknowledges the police’s response, an internal investigation lacks the credibility needed to bring full justice to the victim.
The GJA President said he is demanding a transparent, independent investigation and the swift prosecution of the officer involved to send a strong message against impunity.
A Call for Media Integrity and Protection
In a balanced tone, Dwumfour also used the occasion to caution journalists themselves, urging practitioners to remain impartial in their work and avoid being used as tools by politicians.
“We will protect our own, but we’ll also crack the whip on journalists who take sides and abandon the national interest,” he noted.
He emphasized that journalists are vital players in Ghana’s democratic space and must be allowed to work freely, especially during sensitive political exercises like elections.
He also called on all security agencies to sensitize personnel on the lawful and respectful engagement with media professionals.
Press Freedom in Peril
However, he has since pledged full legal and moral support to both Banahene and Nartey and has promised to closely monitor developments in the case to ensure justice is served.
He further expressed concern that police misconduct against journalists continues to go unchecked, with such violations becoming more frequent.
