Ablekuma North Rerun: Journalist attacked by police (PHOTOS)

A journalist with the EIB Network, Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, was allegedly assaulted by a police officer while covering the parliamentary election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency on Friday, July 11.

The incident reportedly happened while Banahene was carrying out his professional duties, dressed in a clearly identifiable outfit showing he was a journalist. According to eyewitness accounts, a police officer approached him and demanded that he leave the premises, despite Banahene identifying himself and explaining the purpose of his presence.

During the encounter, the officer allegedly slapped Banahene, resulting in physical injury. As of now, Banahene has not yet lodged a formal complaint with the police.

The EIB Network has strongly condemned the assault and is calling on the government and relevant security agencies to immediately investigate the matter and take appropriate disciplinary action against the officer involved. The media organisation also raised concerns about the growing trend of attacks on journalists while on duty, describing it as a threat to press freedom and democracy.

The incident occurred as the Electoral Commission (EC) supervised a rerun of elections in 19 polling stations across the Ablekuma North Constituency. The rerun was meant to address verification challenges and other irregularities that emerged during the December 2024 general elections.

Initially, results from 18 of the 37 disputed polling stations were certified, but issues with the remaining 19 prompted the EC to organise a fresh vote. Due to these unresolved matters, Ablekuma North has remained without a Member of Parliament since the 2024 elections.

The EC insists the rerun is necessary to conclude the electoral process in the constituency and ensure full parliamentary representation.

DailyNewsGhana has some close-up photos