By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Two journalists, Kwabena Agyekum Banahene of the EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM) and Ms. Salomey Martey of JoyNews, were assaulted while covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency in the Greater Accra region on Friday, July 11, 2025.
The newly sworn-in executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) have condemned the assault on two journalists, describing it as brutal and unprovoked.
Addressing the press, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor expressed disappointment that the day, which also marked the swearing-in of newly elected GJA national executives, had been marred by acts of violence against journalists.
“Colleagues, the National Executive of the GJA is saddened and worried that today that we had a beautiful swearing-in ceremony after a successful election, which calls for celebration, some of our colleagues have been subjected to inhumane treatments at the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency,” Mr. Dwumfuor retorted.
“The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) vehemently condemns the brutal and unprovoked assault on Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, a journalist with the EIB Network (GHOne TV and Starr FM), by a police officer and a JoyNews reporter of The Multimedia Group, Salomey Martey, while they were diligently covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Constituency.
Videos circulating capture the uniformed officer slapping Mr. Banahene, despite the journalist being visibly identifiable in a branded outfit and performing his duties. This egregious act is a direct assault on press freedom, a fundamental pillar of our democracy, and a blatant disregard for the rule of law,” he stated.
While Mr. Banahene was reportedly slapped by a uniformed police officer, Salomey Martey was also allegedly attacked by an unidentified hooligan during coverage of the same event.
The GJA has confirmed that Mr. Banahene has filed a formal complaint with the police and sought medical treatment.
“The GJA is glad that Mr. Banahene has filed an official complaint with the police and also visited a hospital in the area for treatment,” the Association said.
The GJA emphasized the gravity of the incident and called out the conduct of the police officer involved.
“The GJA views this incident with the utmost gravity and is appalled that officers in uniform who are expected to know better and protect civilians and journalists against attack are the ones callously attacking journalists,” Mr. Dwumfuor said.
“Journalists play an indispensable role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and public access to information, especially during critical electoral processes. Any attempt to intimidate, harass, or physically harm journalists in the line of duty is an affront to democratic principles and must be condemned in the strongest possible terms,” He reiterated
Mr. Dwumfuor further called on the Ghana Police Service to investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable.
“This incident is particularly troubling as it involves a member of the Ghana Police Service, an institution entrusted with upholding law and order and protecting all citizens. Such actions by a police officer not only undermine public trust in the security agencies but also severely tarnish the image of Ghana as a country that respects human rights and press freedom.”
The GJA assured the public and its membership that it would not relent in seeking justice.
“The GJA stands in unwavering solidarity with Mr. Kwabena Agyekum Banahene and Salomey Martey, who were assaulted by an unknown hooligan, and will offer all necessary support to ensure that justice is served.”
The GJA has called for swift and decisive action, demanding that the offending officer and the hoodlum be identified, disciplined, and held accountable to ensure the safety of journalists in future coverage of public affairs.
