Three residents of Ashaiman Lebanon Zone two have been brought before the Ashaiman District Court for allegedly assaulting Augustine Nyalali Ahiagbor, a journalist working with Angel FM/TV.
The accused individuals are Abass Mohammed, a 24-year-old national service person, Seth Kwame Baidoo, a 39-year-old civil engineer, and Samuel Yaw Baidoo, a 70-year-old pensioner.
They have pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and causing unlawful conduct, as stipulated under Section 54 and Section 152, respectively, of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29).
Presiding over the case, Mr. Derick Parden Eshun, granted the accused bail in the amount of GH¢10,000 each, with one surety for each accused person, subject to justification.
Furthermore, the court has referred the case for Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and adjourned the proceedings to August 10, 2023.
According to the prosecution’s account, on May 25, 2023, at approximately 06:10 hours, a toilet facility at Mohammed’s father’s house collapsed, resulting in a tenant being trapped inside in Ashaiman Lebanon Zone two.
It was revealed that at around 07:10 hours, the journalist received information about the incident and went to the scene, where he encountered another journalist.
Upon the journalist’s arrival, the trapped individual had already been rescued, and some residents were attempting to transport him to the hospital for medical attention.
During this time, the complainant began recording videos and taking pictures of the collapsed toilet structure.
However, Yaw Baidoo approached him, grabbed his shirt, and demanded that he delete the recorded material while physically assaulting him.
Subsequently, approximately 10 other individuals joined in and insisted that the journalist delete the videos and pictures, subjecting him to further assault.
The accused parties allegedly engaged in a struggle with the journalist over his mobile phone, resulting in damage to the device. Additionally, they tore his shirt and singlet.
The prosecution stated that the local Assembly member, who was present at the scene and served as a witness, took possession of the complainant’s phone.
Both the Assembly member and the complainant then proceeded to the residences of Yaw Baidoo and Kwame Baidoo, intending to delete the recorded material.
However, they were unable to do so due to the phone’s damage.
Following the incident, the journalist lodged a complaint at the Lebanon Police Station, where a medical form was issued to him.
Subsequently, the accused individuals were arrested, investigated, and subsequently arraigned in court.
Source: The Independent Ghana