By Kingsley Mamore, GNA
Kpassa (O/R) July 13, GNA – The Oti Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the alleged assault and harassment of a journalist and several civilians by military personnel during the New Patriotic Party (NPP) constituency executive elections held in Nkwanta South on Saturday.
The Association described the incident as unfortunate, unacceptable and a threat to press freedom and democratic governance, calling on the relevant security authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice.
In a statement signed by Mr Kwabena Ntow, Chairman of the GJA Oti Region, the Association said it had received credible reports that the elections were largely peaceful but extended into the curfew period imposed on the municipality due to the prevailing security situation.
According to the statement, while waiting for the declaration of the election results, Mr Obrempongba Kwame Owusu, a journalist with Adom TV/FM, was allegedly attacked, heckled and physically assaulted by some military personnel who accused him of taking photographs and recording videos of the proceedings in the course of his official duties.
The Association said the journalist sustained injuries during the incident and was rushed to the St. Joseph Hospital in Nkwanta South for medical treatment.
It noted that he was rescued through the intervention of personnel from the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), the Ghana Police Service and election officials who were present at the venue.
The GJA further disclosed that it had received other reports indicating that several NPP delegates, onlookers and a senior high school graduate who worked as an okada rider were also allegedly harassed and assaulted during the military operation.
According to the Association, one of the civilians reportedly sustained injuries in a road accident while attempting to leave the area hurriedly to avoid confrontation with the security personnel.
While acknowledging the important role of the military and other security agencies in enforcing the curfew and maintaining law and order in Nkwanta South, the Association expressed concern that security personnel entrusted with protecting lives and property were allegedly involved in acts of violence against innocent civilians and journalists carrying out their lawful responsibilities.
“The media plays a critical role in promoting transparency, accountability and peace, particularly in conflict-prone areas. Any attack on journalists is an attack on democracy and the constitutional right of citizens to access information,” the statement said.
The GJA therefore strongly condemned the alleged assault on the journalist and other civilians and called on the Military High Command, the Oti Regional Security Council (REGSEC), the Municipal Security Council (MUSEC) and other appropriate state institutions to institute an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident.
The Association also demanded that officers found culpable to be sanctioned in accordance with the law and further called for an unqualified apology to the affected journalist.
It urged the security services to provide assurances of the safety and protection of journalists covering assignments in the municipality and appealed to all security personnel to respect the rights of media practitioners and members of the public while enforcing curfew directives.
The Association appealed to all stakeholders in Nkwanta South to remain calm and cooperate with the authorities to ensure that the due process was followed.
It stressed that peace and security should be maintained through professionalism, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law rather than fear or intimidation.
The GJA reaffirmed its solidarity with the injured journalist and all other victims of the incident and pledged to continue advocating the safety, welfare and freedom of journalists across the Oti Region.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah /Kenneth Odeng Adade