In a decisive move, the Ghana Police Service has interdicted an officer caught on camera assaulting a journalist during the Ablekuma North parliamentary election rerun. The incident, which sparked widespread outrage, has led to the officer’s immediate withdrawal from election duty and referral to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.
According to a press release issued by the Public Affairs Directorate of the Ghana Police Service, the officer’s actions were deemed unacceptable and contrary to the values of the police service. The release assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted into the matter, with further updates to be communicated in due course.
The swift action taken by the police administration has been welcomed by many, who see it as a positive step towards maintaining the integrity of the police service and upholding the rights of journalists. The incident highlights the need for police officers to respect the rights of journalists and the importance of maintaining a professional relationship between law enforcement and the media.
The Ghana Journalists Association has also condemned the attack on the journalist, calling for further action to be taken against the officer involved. The association’s statement emphasized the need for police officers to respect the rights of journalists and to refrain from using violence against them.
The incident is a reminder of the importance of protecting journalists and media personnel, who play a critical role in holding those in power accountable and promoting transparency and accountability in governance. The police service’s swift action in this case is a positive step towards ensuring that journalists can carry out their work without fear of harassment or intimidation.