The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has strongly condemned the assault on a journalist during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun and is calling on the police hierarchy to take bold, decisive action against the officer involved.

This follows an incident on Friday, July 11, 2025, in which Agyekum Banahene, a journalist with GHOne TV, was slapped by a uniformed police officer at the Church of Pentecost, North Odorkor Polling Station 2, while covering activities at the polling centre.

Banahene, who attempted to access the inner perimeter to report on the electoral process, was assaulted in full view of the public and news cameras. He has since voiced fears for his personal safety, stating that the experience has left him deeply shaken.

Reacting to the incident, Mr. Dwumfuor described the attack as a grave violation of press freedom and a blatant infringement on human rights, calling for immediate justice.

“We demand an immediate, thorough, and transparent criminal investigation into this matter, as it constitutes assault—a second-degree felony,” he stated.

“We call on the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to ensure swift and decisive disciplinary action is taken. This must serve as a deterrent to other officers. We want the police to be bold enough to punish one of their own—especially in a case that happened in full public view and was captured on camera.”

“This is a serious matter and must not be downplayed as a mere misdemeanour. We are well aware of what the police are capable of when they choose to act,” he added.

Meanwhile, the police officer involved has been interdicted. In an official statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Richmond Mensah on behalf of the Director of Public Affairs, the Service confirmed that it had taken immediate steps after reviewing video footage of the incident circulating on social media.