Police Interdict Officer for Slapping Journalist at Ablekuma North Polling Station

The Ghana Police Service has interdicted an officer captured in a viral video physically assaulting a journalist during election coverage at Ablekuma North.

The officer, whose name remains undisclosed, was caught on camera slapping a journalist identified as Banahene after ordering him to leave the Church of Pentecost polling station, even though other reporters were present and allowed to stay.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Police confirmed the officer has been removed from his post and pulled from election duties in the constituency. “In line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been interdicted and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation,” the statement read.

Read the statement:

The incident has sparked widespread condemnation online, especially after the video showing the confrontation circulated on multiple platforms. The footage shows the officer pushing and slapping the journalist, despite no apparent provocation.

Speaking to reporters, Banahene recounted what led to the attack. “He just came to tell me that I should leave the premises. Meanwhile, there were other media guys at the premises; he didn’t ask anybody to leave, but he just approached me to leave,” he explained.

He further defended his refusal to comply, saying he had a duty to report any developments at the polling station. “I said no, I can’t go, what if I go and something happens? How do I report? I have not done anything wrong to anybody,” he added.

The Police Service assured the public that a “thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter” and pledged to provide further updates as the inquiry progresses.