The Ghana Police Service has interdicted a police officer captured on video assaulting a journalist who refused to leave a polling station during election coverage at Ablekuma North.
In a statement released by the Service, authorities confirmed that the officer has been withdrawn from election duty and is currently under investigation.
“In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been interdicted and referred to the
Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation,” the statement said.
The Police Service further assured the public of its commitment to transparency and accountability. “We would like to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter and further updates will be communicated,” the statement added.
The incident, which has since gone viral on social media, shows the officer physically confronting a journalist identified only as Banahene. According to Banahene, the officer ordered him to leave the polling premises, despite the presence of other media personnel who were not asked to vacate.
“He just came to approach me that I should leave the premises. Meanwhile, there were other media guys at the premises — he didn’t ask anybody else to leave but approached
me directly,” Banahene recounted.
When the journalist refused to leave, citing his professional obligation to cover the elections, the confrontation escalated.
“I said, no, I can’t go — what if I leave and something happens? How do I report? I have not done anything wrong to anybody,” Banahene explained. “He was pushing me and then slapped me in the face for no reason.”
The incident has sparked widespread public concern, with many calling for accountability and better protection for journalists on duty. Media rights groups have also urged the Ghana Police Service to ensure a swift and transparent investigation into the matter.
