The Eastern Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned what it describes as a brutal assault on Peace FM’s Eastern Regional Correspondent, Michael Akrofi, allegedly carried out by a police officer at the Tafo–Kukurantumi Formed Police Unit (FPU) base.
According to GJA, the incident reportedly occurred while the journalist was lawfully covering a demonstration by farmers at Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region. The protest was organised to draw attention to the destruction of farmlands by Fulani herdsmen and their cattle.
A statement issued on Monday, January 12 by Stephen Ampem Darko Koranteng, the Eastern Regional GJA Chairman suggests that Mr. Akrofi was allegedly attacked from behind by the police officer, who strangled him on three separate occasions and later issued threats following the assault. The journalist subsequently complained of severe pain in his neck, back, and waist and was compelled to seek medical treatment at a health facility.
GJA noted that the matter has since been formally reported to the Eastern Regional Police Command. However, the GJA noted that as of the time of issuing its statement, the victim had not received any official response or feedback from the police.
The Association described the incident as “barbaric and unprofessional”, stressing that it constitutes a direct attack on press freedom and the constitutional rights of journalists to work without fear, intimidation, or violence.
The GJA emphasised that journalists play a critical role in informing the public, particularly during tense situations such as demonstrations, and should be protected by security agencies rather than subjected to abuse.
The Association has therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Eastern Regional Police Command to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that the officer involved is identified and dealt with in accordance with the law.
The GJA urged for stronger collaboration between journalists and security agencies, noting that mutual respect, clarity of roles, and adherence to professional standards are essential to maintaining public order while safeguarding press freedom and democratic values.
“The GJA stands in soloidarity with affected journalists and assures all media practitioners that it will continue to advocate for their safety and rights. We will closely monitor that handling of this case and take all necessary steps to ensure justice is served,” the statement concluded.
