The Ghana Police Service has interdicted a senior officer captured in a viral video assaulting a journalist during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun elections, following widespread public outrage and condemnation from civil society and the media fraternity.
In a statement signed by Director of Public Affairs, ASP Richmond Mensah, the Police Service confirmed the interdiction, stating that the officer involved has been withdrawn from election duties and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for a thorough internal investigation.
The officer, whose name has not yet been disclosed, is alleged to have slapped GH One TV journalist Banahene Agyekum while the reporter was covering the voting process. The incident took place at a polling station in the constituency, sparking criticism over the conduct of security personnel during the election.
“I can’t continue my work today. My right eye is shaking and I feel pain in my forehead. I need to go for a medical checkup,” Agyekum told TV3’s George Kwaning in a live report after the incident.
The Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who witnessed the incident firsthand, condemned the officer’s actions, describing him as “hot-tempered” and unfit for election duty. The mayor called for the immediate removal of the officer from the polling station.
Tensions further escalated when the district police commander arrived at the scene and advised Mayor Allotey to leave, citing his presence as a possible trigger for crowd buildup and further unrest.
The incident adds to a series of concerns raised about heavy-handedness and political bias among certain officers deployed to the Ablekuma North constituency, which has seen growing political tension in recent days.
The Ghana Police Service has assured the public that disciplinary measures will be pursued, and has committed to transparency in handling the matter.
“We would like to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter and further updates will be communicated,” ASP Mensah said.
Meanwhile, journalists’ associations and election observers are calling for stronger protections for media personnel covering national events, especially in politically charged environments.
The rerun itself was marred by low voter turnout and growing tension between political party supporters, with the NPP announcing a boycott of the process. The outcome of the rerun remains secondary in public discourse, as concerns mount over the safety and integrity of democratic processes.
