GJA Condemns Assault on Journalists During Ablekuma North Rerun, Demands Justice

By Joylinda Laryea / July 11, 2025

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a strong condemnation of the brutal assault on two journalists covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency on July 11, 2025. The association expressed deep concern over the attack on Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of the EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM) and Ms. Salomey Nartey of JoyNews, who were both targeted while performing their professional duties.

According to the GJA, Mr. Banahene was physically assaulted by a uniformed police officer at the polling station despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist and wearing branded media attire. The officer reportedly slapped Banahene after ordering him to leave the premises, an order Banahene resisted in order to continue reporting on the electoral process.

Mr. Banahene described the incident, saying, “Suddenly, he shoved me and slapped me across the face without any provocation. I had not wronged anyone.” The force of the slap caused him significant pain and concern for his eyesight, prompting him to seek medical treatment at a local hospital.

The attack occurred on the same day as the swearing-in ceremony of the GJA’s newly elected National Executive, where Vice President Prof. Jane Nana Opoku Agyemang and Minister of State Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu reaffirmed their support for media freedom and journalist protection. The GJA expressed alarm at the stark contrast between these promises and the violent reality faced by journalists on the ground.

The GJA commended the Police Administration for promptly interdicting the officer involved but demanded a thorough, transparent, and swift investigation. The association called on Inspector General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohonu to ensure that decisive disciplinary and legal action is taken against the officer to prevent similar abuses in the future.

“Justice must be served for Mr. Banahene,” the GJA stated. “A clear signal must be sent that impunity will not be tolerated within the Ghana Police Service.”

The GJA also condemned the assault on Ms. Salomey Nartey by unknown assailants during the same period, reiterating its commitment to stand in solidarity with all journalists who face threats and violence while carrying out their duties.

The association urged all security agencies to educate their personnel on the vital role journalists play in democracy and to guarantee their safety and freedom to report without fear of intimidation or attack.

The Ghana Journalists Association pledged to continue monitoring the situation closely and work with stakeholders to prevent any recurrence of such incidents, emphasizing that any threat to journalists is a direct threat to the nation’s democracy and freedom of expression.