Albert Kwabena Dwumfour
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has demanded an investigation into the alleged assault and harassment of a journalist during the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) constituency elections at Nkwanta South in the Oti Region, by military personnel deployed to enforce curfew in the area.
Addressing the media, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, disclosed that a journalist who works with Adom TV/FM and the Multimedia Group, Benjamin Kwame Owusu, was allegedly confronted, assaulted and prevented from performing his professional duties by some military personnel on Saturday, July 11, 2026.
He indicated that the incident occurred after the commencement of curfew hours, when delegates, journalists and other persons at the election venue were attempting to return home.
He said Owusu was allegedly confronted by the military personnel, who accused him of taking photographs and filming the election process, and reportedly assaulted and forced to the ground, tearing his branded work shirt in the process.
Mr. Dwumfour said the journalist sustained injuries and was later admitted at the St Joseph Hospital for treatment.
He further expressed concern over reports of similar harassment and alleged assaults of some delegates and other civilians during the incident.
He revealed that a senior high school graduate and an okada rider also sustained injuries in a fatal accident while rushing home amidst the confrontation.
He condemned the harsh treatment of journalists and civilians by security personnel, stressing that journalists must be allowed to carry out their professional duties without intimidation, harassment, assault or unlawful interference.
“Journalists are not criminals because they take photographs, record events or report on matters of public interest,” Mr. Dwumfour pointed out.
He acknowledged the role of security agencies in maintaining peace and enforcing law, but maintained that such responsibilities should be exercised with professionalism and respect for fundamental human rights.
The GJA President called on the leadership of the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly the Chief of the Defence Staff (CDS), and the Ghana Police Service to investigate the incident, identify all personnel involved, and take appropriate action against any personnel involved in the violation of the rights of the journalist and other citizens.
Mr. Dwumfour urged journalists to uphold professionalism and comply with lawful security requirements when covering sensitive events, stressing that security restrictions must be enforced lawfully and with full respect for the rights of journalists and citizens.
Meanwhile, the GJA has announced the opening of entries for the 30th GJA Media Awards, with entries opened on Thursday, September 3, 2026 and closing on Friday, September 18, 2026.
Mr. Dwumfour also announced the introduction of two new categories – Bank of Ghana Governance, Economic and Financial Story of the Year and Best Digital and New Media Platform of the Year.
He added that the Female Journalist of the Year Award category has been removed from this year’s edition.