Police officer interdicted for assaulting journalist during Ablekuma North rerun

The Ghana Police Service has announced that the officer captured in a viral video assaulting a journalist during the parliamentary rerun in Ablekuma North has been interdicted with immediate effect.

According to a statement issued by ASP Richmond Mensah, Director of Public Affairs, on July 11, 2025, the officer has been withdrawn from election duties and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for a full internal investigation in accordance with disciplinary procedures.

“We wish to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter, and further updates will be provided in due course,” ASP Mensah stated.

The journalist involved, Banahene Agyekum of GH One Television, was reportedly assaulted by the officer while covering the ongoing vote.

Eyewitnesses say tensions rose at the polling station during the rerun, with the Mayor of Accra, Michael Kpakpo Allotey, confirming he saw the incident firsthand.

He called for the officer’s immediate removal from duty, describing him as having a “hot temper”.

In a further development, reports indicate that the district police commander visited the scene to gather firsthand information and, to de-escalate tensions, asked the Mayor to vacate the area, as his presence was attracting large crowds.

Meanwhile, the journalist has complained of severe pain in his right eye following the alleged assault, believed to be a slap from a senior officer.

Speaking in an interview, he said the injury has forced him to halt his coverage of the election.

“I can’t continue work today. My right eye keeps shaking, and I’m not sure what happened to my forehead either. I need urgent medical attention,” he said.

The incident sparked public outrage, with calls for swift disciplinary action and greater accountability within the police service.

Below is the full statement