GJA Demands Justice as Journalist Slapped by Police Officer
President Dwumfuor calls for bold disciplinary action from police hierarchy GHOne TV reporter assaulted in public view during Ablekuma North rerun
Edem Latsu Nukafu 
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, has strongly condemned the assault of a journalist during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun, calling on the Ghana Police Service to take bold and decisive disciplinary action against the offending officer.
The incident occurred on Friday, 11 July 2025, when Agyekum Banahene, a journalist with GHOne TV, was slapped by a uniformed police officer while covering electoral proceedings at the Church of Pentecost, North Odorkor Polling Station 2.
Banahene, who was attempting to access the inner perimeter of the polling centre for coverage, was attacked in full public view and captured on camera. He has since reported feeling unsafe and traumatised by the assault.
Describing the attack as a "serious breach of press freedom and human rights," Mr Dwumfuor demanded swift justice and called for a criminal investigation into the case.
“We demand an immediate, thorough, and transparent criminal investigation into this matter since it is a case of assault, which is a second-degree felony,” he stated.
The GJA president further urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohuno, to ensure decisive action is taken.
“We want the police to be bold and punish one of their officers… this time, in the full glare of the public and on camera,” Mr Dwumfuor stressed. “This is a serious issue and cannot be treated as a misdemeanour. We know what the police can do.”
In response to the public backlash and viral footage of the incident, the Ghana Police Service has confirmed the interdiction of the officer involved. This was communicated in an official statement signed by ASP Richmond Mensah on behalf of the Director of Public Affairs.
The Service assured the public that appropriate measures are being taken, and investigations are underway.
The GJA and other press freedom advocates are watching closely, insisting that how this matter is handled will set a precedent for the safety and protection of journalists in Ghana.
