Ablekuma North rerun: Police officer interdicted for assaulting journalist faces criminal charges

Ablekuma North Rerun: Police Officer Interdicted for Assaulting Journalist Faces Criminal Charges

The Ghana Police Service has confirmed that the officer interdicted for physically assaulting a journalist during the recently held Ablekuma North by-election rerun is now facing criminal charges, following public outcry and a preliminary internal investigation.

The officer, identified as Corporal David Ansah, was caught on camera aggressively manhandling a journalist from a local media outlet who was covering the tense electoral process. The video, which quickly went viral, sparked widespread condemnation from media associations, civil society, and the general public.

Official Confirmation and Legal Action

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Ghana Police Service stated:

“Following the conclusion of preliminary investigations into the conduct of Corporal David Ansah during the Ablekuma North by-election rerun, the officer has been formally charged and will be arraigned before court in the coming days.”

The charges include assault, obstruction of journalistic duty, and conduct unbecoming of a public officer under Ghana’s Criminal Code and Police Service Regulations.

The Police Administration added that it remains committed to ensuring accountability and upholding the rule of law, especially during electoral processes.

Journalist Recovering, Receives Support

The assaulted journalist, identified as Emmanuel Kojo Teye, sustained minor injuries and was treated at a local clinic. He has since received solidarity from media colleagues and support from the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

In a statement, the GJA welcomed the decision to pursue criminal charges and urged the police to see the process through to the end.

“This is not just about one journalist — it’s about ensuring that members of the press can perform their constitutional duties without fear or violence,” said GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.

Growing Concerns Over Press Safety

The incident adds to a growing list of attacks on journalists in Ghana, raising renewed concerns about press freedom and the safety of reporters, particularly during politically sensitive events such as elections and protests.

International bodies such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF) and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) have also weighed in, urging the government and security agencies to take decisive steps to end the culture of impunity for crimes against journalists.

“We must ensure that elections do not become war zones for the media,” MFWA Executive Director Sulemana Braimah said.

Political Reaction and Public Pressure

The assault incident has triggered political responses, with opposition figures accusing the ruling government of fostering a climate of hostility toward the media. Government spokespersons, however, have distanced themselves from the incident and praised the police for acting swiftly.

Political analysts say how the case is handled could influence public confidence in both the Ghana Police Service and the country’s broader commitment to democratic norms ahead of the 2024 general elections.

Conclusion

As Corporal David Ansah prepares to face the full rigour of the law, many see this as a pivotal moment for press freedom and police reform in Ghana. The Ablekuma North rerun, already marked by controversy and tension, may now serve as a test case for how seriously the state treats violence against the media.

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