Safety of journalists executing their duties has been called into question following reports of physical aggression, verbal abuse, and obstruction faced by Ralph Apetorgbor, the Consulting Editor of Telegraph Ghana, while covering the district assembly inauguration ceremony at the Ga Central Municipal Assembly.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, February 12, 2024, has sparked outrage in the area and brought attention to the challenges faced by journalists, particularly during an election year.
According to Apetorgbor’s account of the incident, he was covering the election of the presiding member at the assembly’s forecourt when he was approached by two police officers.
They accused him of filming the proceedings without authorization and demanded to see the photos on his camera. Despite his refusal to comply, one officer attempted to seize his camera.
Eyewitnesses corroborated Apetorgbor’s account, stating that the journalist refused to allow access to his camera, leading to a confrontation with the police officers.
Apetorgbor further described how he was physically pushed outside the premises by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Richard Kungu and Chief Inspector Aikins, who subjected him to verbal abuse. He highlighted the unprofessional conduct of the Sowutuom police officers, which hindered his ability to report on the proceedings.
Following the conclusion of the ceremony, Apetorgbor alleged that he was again confronted by ASP Kungu, who, along with Inspector Aikins, verbally assaulted and threatened him. The officers reportedly boasted about their impunity and threatened further violence against journalists.
Apetorgbor has since lodged complaints with the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr. George Akufo Dampare, and the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG). He plans to officially file a complaint against the officers for threatening him, obstructing his professional duties, and verbally assaulting him.
As of now, the Sowutuom police command has not commented on the matter.