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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has intensified calls for justice following the alleged assault of Peace FM’s Eastern Regional Correspondent, Michael Akrofi, by a police officer during a farmers’ demonstration at Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region.
The Eastern Regional Branch of the GJA, in a statement, said the journalist was lawfully covering a protest by farmers over the destruction of their crops by Fulani herdsmen and their cattle when he was allegedly attacked by an officer stationed at the Tafo–Kukurantumi Formed Police Unit (FPU) base.
According to the Association, Mr. Akrofi was assaulted from behind and strangled on three separate occasions, after which the officer allegedly issued threats against him. The GJA described the act as barbaric, unprofessional and a direct assault on press freedom.
Medical and police documents obtained in connection with the incident corroborate the journalist’s account. A Police Medical Form issued at the Akyem Kukurantumi Police Station indicates that the journalist reported being assaulted by two policemen while on duty. He was subsequently referred to St. Joseph Hospital in Koforidua for medical examination.
In a Medical Officer’s Report dated January 8, 2026, doctors at St. Joseph Hospital confirmed that Mr. Akrofi presented with complaints of pain after the incident. The report notes that although there were no visible external wounds, the journalist experienced significant pain, particularly stiffness and discomfort when turning his neck to the side, as well as pain in the upper back.
The medical report further stated that Mr. Akrofi was treated with injections for pain management and placed on oral painkillers, confirming that the assault resulted in bodily harm that required medical attention.
Despite the matter being formally reported to the Eastern Regional Police Command, the GJA expressed concern that no official feedback or action had been communicated to the victim as of the time of issuing its statement.
The Association has therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Eastern Regional Police Command to immediately investigate the incident, identify the officer involved and ensure appropriate disciplinary and legal action is taken.
The GJA stressed that journalists play a critical role in informing the public, especially during tense situations such as demonstrations, and must be protected rather than attacked by security personnel. It also renewed calls for stronger collaboration between journalists and security agencies, anchored on mutual respect, professionalism and adherence to constitutional freedoms.
