Accra, July 11, 2025 – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the brutal assault on Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, a journalist with the EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM), by a police officer during the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency.
The incident occurred earlier today, July 11, 2025, while Mr. Banahene was diligently covering the election proceedings. According to eyewitnesses and Mr. Banahene himself, the police officer approached him and demanded that he leave the premises. When Mr. Banahene explained that he couldn’t leave as he needed to report on events unfolding behind him, the officer suddenly shoved and slapped him across the face without any provocation.
The GJA is deeply concerned about this egregious act, which is a direct assault on press freedom, a fundamental pillar of Ghana’s democracy. The association views this incident with utmost gravity and is appalled that officers in uniform, expected to protect civilians and journalists, are the ones callously attacking journalists.
“We vehemently condemn this brutal and unprovoked assault on Mr. Banahene,” said the GJA in a statement. “This act is a blatant disregard for the rule of law and an affront to democratic principles.”
The GJA has commended the police administration for interdicting the officer involved in the attack and is urging the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohonu, to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
“We demand that swift and decisive disciplinary action is taken to serve as a deterrent to others,” the GJA statement added. “Justice must be served for Mr. Banahene, and a clear signal must be sent that such impunity will not be tolerated within the Ghana Police Service.”
The GJA stands in unwavering solidarity with Mr. Banahene and will offer all necessary support to ensure that justice is served. The association will continue to monitor the situation closely and engage with relevant stakeholders to prevent future occurrences of this abhorrent practice.
The incident is particularly troubling as it occurred on the same day the Vice President of Ghana, Her Excellency Prof. Jane Nana Opoku Agyemang, and the Minister of State in Charge of Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, gave assurances of supporting the GJA in the fight against attacks on journalists and ensuring a favorable environment for the media to operate.
The GJA’s condemnation of the assault on Mr. Banahene underscores the association’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of journalists in Ghana. The association urges 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.
