Police allegedly Assault a Journalist for Filming the Inauguration of a District Assembly

Consulting Editor at Telegraph Ghana, Ralph Apetorgbor, has reportedly faced physical aggression, verbal abuse, and obstruction from the Police in Sowutuom 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, once again bringing the attention to the safety of journalists in line of their duties, particularly during an election year.

The police officers allegedly accused Apetorgbor of filming the proceedings, highlighting the critical role of press freedom in maintaining transparency and accountability in a democratic society.

Some eyewitnesses recounted how Apetorgbor was documenting the events when he was approached by some of the police officers on duty who attempted to confiscate his camera. Despite his refusal, they insisted on viewing the images he had captured.

Speaking to the media, Apetorgbor, explained that he was covering the election of a Presiding Member following the swearing-in of new Assembly Members at the assembly’s forecourt when two uniformed officers approached him, demanding to see the photos on his camera. Despite his refusal to comply, one officer (later identified as Chief Inspector Aikins) attempted to seize his camera by force, which Apetorgbor resisted, ultimately leaving it when a crowd gathered nearby.

“The police man asked me to bring my camera so that he will see the pictures and videos I have taken. I said no and I resisted releasing my camera to him, and he threatened to forcefully damage it at the count of five if I don’t release it. I again ignored him and told him that it is their type of officers that are eroding the good works of the IGP, Dr. George Dampare. He was still holding my camera but was quick to leave it when he saw the crowd of spectators approaching,” he said.

Apetorgbor further described how, as the district electoral commissioner relocated to the assembly conference room to conduct election of the presiding member (PM), he was obstructed by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Richard Kungu and Chief Inspector Aikins, who instructed a junior officer in plainclothes to push him out of the premises, this they did while subjecting him (Apetorgbor) to verbal abuses and physically pushing him outside.

He highlighted the unprofessional conduct of the Sowutuom police officers, which hindered his ability to report on the proceedings in the conference room, despite other journalists being permitted entry.

Apetorgbor alleged that he was physically manhandled and subjected to verbal assault while fulfilling his professional obligations.

Following the conclusion of the election and the swearing-in ceremony, Apetorgbor alleged further that ASP Kungu signaled for him to approach, only to unleash a barrage of insults and threats on him aided with the support of Inspector Aikins. He said Inspector Aikins went as far as threatening to have the junior officer arrest and assault he Apetorgbor should he cross their path again, exemplifying a hostile attitude towards journalists.

“We will finish you these journalists loitering around in the country before you people would learn lesson. Dampare is pampering you vultures which is why you people are throwing yourselves about in the country and interfering in people’s matter’ – Apetorgbor recounted what Chief Inspector Aikins uttered.

‘I enjoy it when you people [journalists] are attacked, and you are lucky you were not beaten by the people, but if it happens I will be there and be quiet. And when the people finish with you, then I will come and teach you a bitter lesson afterwards,” Inspector Aikins is alleged to have added.

Apetorgbor said he responded that he will lodge an official complaint with the IGP Dr. George Akufo Dampare about the conduct, but this rather provoked Chief Inspector Aikins who exclaimed that “Who is Dampare? He is the one pampering you vultures’ ono koraa po neto sheshe no”

“ASP Kungo also responded that I have no rights to report trained police officers to a superior officer and that they careless,” the journalist indicated.

Apetorgbor expressed his intention to file a formal complaint against the officers for allegedly threatening him, obstructing his ability to fulfill his professional duties, and verbally assaulting him while he was covering the assembly’s events.

As of now, authorities at the Sowutuom police command are yet to address the incident.