By:Baba Mohammed Issahaq/Hamza Lansah Lolly
The Ghana Police Service has interdicted an officer who was captured in a viral video physically assaulting a journalist during an election coverage assignment at Ablekuma North.
The disturbing footage, which quickly made rounds on social media, shows the officer aggressively confronting and attacking the reporter, sparking widespread condemnation from the public and media organisations.
In a statement signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Richmond Mensah on behalf of the Director of Public Affairs, the Police confirmed they had “monitored a viral video in which one of our officers is seen assaulting a reporter.”
The officer has since been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty and placed on interdiction. The matter has also been referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for a full investigation.
“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.
The Police Service reiterated its commitment to upholding professional conduct, especially during critical national exercises like elections, and emphasised that incidents of misconduct will not be tolerated.
The identity of the assaulted reporter has not yet been officially disclosed. Still, media advocacy groups are calling for swift justice and better protections for journalists in the line of duty.