NPP supporters attack JoyNews reporter during Wontumi’s EOCO detention coverage

A disturbing scene unfolded today, Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at the headquarters of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra when a journalist from JoyNews, Latif Iddrisu, was physically assaulted by a known sympathiser of the ruling New Patriotic Party (NPP).

Latif was at EOCO doing his job—covering the developing story surrounding the EOCO detention of the NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, also known across the country as Chairman Wontumi. But what should have been a regular day of news reporting turned violent when a member of the crowd turned on him.

The Attack: What Happened?

According to reports from JoyNews and eyewitnesses at the scene, Latif Iddrisu was verbally abused, slapped, and had materials thrown at him by individuals believed to be part of a growing crowd of NPP supporters gathered outside EOCO’s office.

These angry supporters had followed Chairman Wontumi to EOCO, where he was unexpectedly intercepted and detained by EOCO officials shortly after leaving the CID headquarters.

Latif was in the crowd, holding his camera and microphone as usual, trying to report on the unfolding events when some individuals began accusing him of being biased against the NPP. Things quickly escalated. A few men pushed through the crowd and physically attacked him.

“They shouted insults at him and claimed he always reports negatively about their party. Then one of them slapped him, and others joined in, throwing sachets and other objects,” an eyewitness told a local radio station.

The scene was chaotic, with police officers and security struggling to control the situation. Latif was quickly pulled away by his colleagues and other concerned individuals, and it is believed he received medical attention soon after.

Journalists Under Threat: A Growing Concern

This is not the first time journalists have faced violence while doing their work in Ghana. The assault on Latif Iddrisu has once again sparked a national conversation about the safety of media personnel, especially when reporting on politically sensitive matters.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is expected to release a statement soon. Many civil society organisations have already taken to social media to condemn the attack and call on the police to investigate and arrest the perpetrators.

One media rights advocate tweeted:

“The attack on Latif Iddrisu is an attack on journalism. We must all stand up against this culture of impunity.”

Another wrote:

“No journalist deserves to be attacked for simply doing their job. We demand justice for Latif.”

Why Was Chairman Wontumi at EOCO?

The presence of Chairman Wontumi at the EOCO headquarters is part of a widening investigation into illegal mining activities, also known as galamsey, and mining in protected forest reserves.

Just a day earlier, Monday, May 26, Wontumi had reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) as part of bail conditions after being accused of engaging in illegal mining and entering a forest reserve without permission.

He spent several hours at the CID headquarters, where he reportedly provided documents to prove that his mining operations were legal. He denied all accusations and insisted he had nothing to do with galamsey.

“I presented my license to them to prove that I do not engage in illegal mining or galamsey,” he told the media after the CID visit.
“If anyone has evidence that I was mining in a forest, let them bring it.”

After leaving the CID office in Accra, Wontumi was on his way out when EOCO operatives suddenly intercepted him. He was taken into custody for further questioning, although EOCO has not officially explained why he was arrested or what new charges—if any—have been added.

The lack of clear communication from EOCO has caused confusion and tension, especially among NPP supporters, who see the arrest as politically motivated.

Supporters Storm EOCO in Solidarity

As news of his detention spread, dozens of NPP faithful gathered outside EOCO’s compound to show support. They chanted slogans, sang party songs, and carried placards. Some also expressed their frustration at what they described as harassment of a loyal party member.

It was within this charged atmosphere that Latif Iddrisu was attacked.

Silence from EOCO and the NPP

As of this evening, EOCO has still not issued any official statement about Wontumi’s arrest or what exactly led to his being held.

The NPP leadership has also remained quiet, with no word yet from the party’s national executives or communication team. However, several grassroots members and party communicators have taken to social media to express their displeasure.

Some accused the government of turning against its own, while others suggested that Wontumi’s arrest is a strategy to silence powerful voices in the party ahead of the 2024 elections.

Calls for Calm and Justice

Several public figures and institutions have since called for calm, urging NPP supporters to allow the law to take its course and for the police to act swiftly in addressing the assault on Latif.

Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), a key press freedom advocate in Ghana, condemned the incident in a brief statement.

“We strongly condemn the physical assault on Latif Iddrisu. This attack is not just against one journalist, but against press freedom in Ghana.”

GJA and other groups are calling for the arrest and prosecution of the individuals who attacked the journalist. Some are demanding that the NPP leadership dissociates itself from the actions of its supporter.

Meanwhile, JoyNews has confirmed that Latif is safe and recovering. They have also called for better protection for journalists, especially those assigned to cover political events.

Conclusion: A Dangerous Trend?

The incident today is a wake-up call. Journalism is not a crime, and no Ghanaian should be attacked for simply doing their job. As Ghana heads toward the next general election, tensions are already rising—and with them, so is the risk of violence.

It is important for all political parties, security agencies, and the government to protect press freedom, respect the rule of law, and foster a culture of tolerance.

Whether one agrees with a journalist or not, violence is never the answer.

As for Chairman Wontumi, the country now waits to hear EOCO’s explanation. Until then, questions remain—and tensions continue to grow.