Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has vehemently condemned the “brutal and unprovoked assault” on two journalists, Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM) and Salomey Nartey of JoyNews, while they were diligently covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, July 11, 2025. This deplorable incident occurred on the same day that Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, and the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, were offering assurances of supporting the GJA in the fight against attacks on journalists.
The GJA described this stark contrast between stated commitment and on-the-ground reality as “deeply alarming, unfortunate and unacceptable.” Videos circulating clearly capture a uniformed police officer slapping Mr. Banahene, despite the journalist being visibly identifiable in a branded outfit and performing his duties. Banahene recounted that he was covering activities at the polling area when the officer approached and demanded he leave the premises. When he explained his inability to do so, the officer “shoved me and slapped me across the face without any provocation,” leaving his eyes shaking and him fearing long-term damage. Salomey Nartey was reportedly assaulted by an unknown hooligan during the same coverage.
The GJA views these incidents with the “utmost gravity,” expressing profound disappointment that officers in uniform, expected to protect civilians and journalists, are the ones “callously attacking journalists.” The association underscored the indispensable role of journalists in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public access to information, especially during critical electoral processes, asserting that any attempt to intimidate, harass, or physically harm journalists in the line of duty is a direct assault on press freedom, a fundamental pillar of democracy, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law.
While commending the Police Administration for swiftly interdicting the officer involved in Banahene’s assault, the GJA is demanding an immediate, thorough, and transparent criminal investigation. GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Christian Tetteh Yohonu to ensure “swift and decisive disciplinary action” and to be “bold in prosecuting the officer involved in the dastardly act.” The GJA insists that “justice must be served for Mr. Banahene,” sending a clear signal that such impunity will not be tolerated within the Ghana Police Service.
The GJA further urged all security agencies to educate their personnel on the critical role of the media in a democratic society and to respect the rights of journalists to work without fear or intimidation. The association reaffirmed its unwavering solidarity with Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene and Salomey Nartey, pledging to offer all necessary support to ensure justice is served and to closely monitor the situation to prevent future occurrences of this “abhorrent practice,” particularly in light of renewed government assurances for a free press.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
