Police Interdict Officer Captured in Viral Video Slapping GHOne Journalist

The Ghana Police Service has interdicted an officer seen in a viral video slapping GHOne TV journalist Agyekum Banahene during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun on Friday, July 11, 2025.

In a press release issued by the Public Affairs Directorate, the police confirmed that the officer has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for further investigation.

“The Ghana Police Service has monitored a viral video in which one of our officers is seen assaulting a reporter.

“The officer concerned has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North; and in line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been interdicted,” the statement read.

“We would like to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter and further updates will be communicated,” the release, signed by ASP Richmond Mensah, added.

Meanwhile, Agyekum Banahene, the journalist involved in the incident, has shared his account in an interview with Citi News’ Fauzu Masawudu, expressing deep concern for his safety and the state of press freedom.

“I feel threatened because we were complaining about media freedom, and now what has happened is that an officer, not a layman, has slapped a journalist,” Banahene said.

Read Also: Police Officer Assaults GhOne TV Reporter in Ablekuma North

He noted that although several other media personnel were at the polling centre, the officer singled him out without cause.

“He just came to approach me that I should leave the premises.

“Meanwhile, there were other media guys at the premises, he didn’t ask anybody to leave but he just approached me to leave.”

The prompt response from the police hierarchy is admirable, downplaying concerns about the use of law enforcement as a means to silence journalists and political opponents.

Ghanaians will be closely monitoring the disciplinary action taken against the officer in question.

His behavior was unnecessary and unjustified, warranting any punishment he may receive.

Source: Liberalprint.com