The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the assault of a journalist during the coverage of the Ablekuma North rerun.

The association is calling for a swift, thorough, and transparent criminal investigation into the incident.

Addressing a press conference in Accra on Thursday, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour expressed deep outrage over the attack, which has triggered national concern following the emergence of viral video footage showing a police officer physically assaulting a journalist.

The reporter, identified as Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, was allegedly confronted and assaulted by a uniformed police officer who demanded he vacate the polling station—despite other journalists being allowed to remain on-site.

“He just came to me and said I should leave the premises,” Banahene recounted. “Meanwhile, there were other media people around, but he didn’t ask anyone else to leave. He targeted me.”

When Mr. Banahene refused—explaining that he was simply carrying out his constitutional duty to report on the electoral process—the officer allegedly escalated the confrontation.

“I told him I couldn’t leave. I said, ‘What if something happens? How do I report it if I’m not here?’ Then he began pushing me and eventually slapped me in the face for no reason. I had done nothing wrong,” he added.

In response, the Ghana Police Service announced the interdiction of the officer involved, pending further inquiry. While the GJA welcomed this move, it stressed that internal disciplinary action alone is insufficient.

“We have seen the statement by the Police Administration which announced the interdiction of the officer involved in the attack. The GJA commends the police for this step, but we demand an immediate, thorough, and transparent criminal investigation into this matter,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.

He continued: “This incident is particularly troubling because it involves a member of the Ghana Police Service—an institution entrusted with upholding law and order and protecting all citizens, including journalists. We call on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Christian Tetteh Yohonu, to act swiftly and decisively. Disciplinary action must be taken to serve as a deterrent to others.”

The GJA president further described the assault as premeditated, arguing that the officer’s selective targeting of Mr. Banahene indicates intent to obstruct his journalistic duties.

“We believe this attack was deliberate. When a police officer singles out one journalist while ignoring others, it suggests a calculated attempt to interfere with his constitutional responsibility. That is a serious offense and cannot be overlooked.”

Mr. Dwumfour also expressed concern over historical patterns of leniency in similar cases:

“We know what the police can do—sometimes weak charges are brought just so the perpetrator gets a light sentence. This time, we are watching closely. We will follow this case with all seriousness.”

“It cannot be treated lightly. It cannot be classified as a minor offense. The law must take its full course.”

The GJA has urged the Ghana Police Service to demonstrate boldness, transparency, and integrity in handling the matter, calling for the full prosecution of the officer involved.

“We are demanding more than administrative penalties. We expect criminal accountability. The law must not shield anyone who assaults a journalist in the line of duty.”

The Association reaffirmed its commitment to defending press freedom and protecting journalists across the country, warning that any attack on the media is an attack on democracy itself.