channel247 online
The Eastern Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Stephen Ampem Darko-Koranteng, says the association will pursue full accountability following the alleged assault of Peace FM’s Eastern Regional Correspondent, Michael Akrofi, by a police officer at Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region.
Speaking on Channel 247’s Newsroom with host Awuraabena Boateng, Mr Darko-Koranteng said repeated attacks on journalists were unacceptable and must be brought to an end. He stressed that journalists must be allowed to carry out their constitutional duties without fear, intimidation or hindrance.
According to him, the GJA is demanding a formal apology from the Ghana Police Service and the payment of all medical bills incurred by the assaulted journalist. He noted that despite public assurances by President John Dramani Mahama condemning attacks on journalists, a fresh incident involving a police officer had occurred, raising serious concerns.
Mr Darko-Koranteng explained that the incident happened when farmers at Kukurantumi were staging a demonstration to present a petition to the Municipal Chief Executive over the destruction of their farms by stray cattle. Michael Akrofi was invited to cover the protest and followed the demonstrators to the municipal assembly to report on the situation.
He said tensions began when a police officer allegedly confronted the journalist over a phone call he was receiving while following the demonstrators. Although Mr Akrofi reportedly complied by parking his vehicle to finish the call, the situation later escalated at the assembly premises.
Mr Darko-Koranteng alleged that the journalist was suddenly attacked from behind, with the officer placing an arm around his neck and attempting to restrain him while he was filming the scene. The journalist managed to record parts of the incident on his phone before bystanders and other officers intervened to prevent further confrontation.
He added that after Mr Akrofi completed his assignment and was leaving the area, the same police officer allegedly confronted him again at his vehicle, further deepening concerns about the officer’s conduct.
The GJA Eastern Regional Chairman said the association would ensure that the officer involved is subjected to the appropriate disciplinary process, adding that punishment of perpetrators is necessary to deter future attacks on journalists.
Mr Darko-Koranteng said Michael Akrofi is currently in stable condition and recovering, but reiterated that the association will not relent until justice is served.
