Police Officer who assaulted journalist in viral video interdicted
The Ghana Police Service has removed and interdicted an officer caught on video physically assaulting a journalist during a parliamentary election re-run in the Ablekuma North constituency.
In a statement issued on Thursday, 11 July, the police confirmed that the officer involved has been withdrawn from election duty and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for internal investigation.
“In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been interdicted and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau for investigation,” the statement said.
The viral video, which has drawn public outrage, shows the officer aggressively confronting a journalist identified only as Banahene, who was covering the election at a local polling station.
Speaking to reporters after the incident, Banahene explained that he was targeted by the officer without cause.
“He just walked up to me and told me to leave the premises. Meanwhile, there were other journalists there, and he didn’t say anything to them. Just me,” Banahene said.
Banahene said he refused to leave, insisting on his right to report from the polling center.
“I told him, no, I can’t go. What if something happens? How do I report it if I’m not there? He started pushing me and then slapped me in the face. I hadn’t done anything wrong,” the journalist explained.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that a full investigation will be carried out and that updates will be shared as the case develops.
“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.
