The Minister for Interior, Ambrose Dery has apologized to the media for the assault on some reporters with the state-owned media company, Ghanaian Times.
Three reporters of Ghanaian Times were allegedly assaulted by a Police officer and his colleagues.Describing the incident as unfortunate, Mr. Dery called for stronger ties between the media and the security agencies to foster peace.
“There were some unfortunate incidents of journalists not being identified and I heard there were some things about Ghanaian Times and those are the things that we need to work on and address because we are partners and we are not supposed to be fighting.
“If we are fighting, hallelujah for the criminals so I want to say on behalf of the Ministry and I speak for the President as well that we apologize for whatever my sector agency might have had with you people. It is in the spirit of the President to push for the frontiers of free expression and that is the only way we can progress as a nation,” he added.
Background
The Journalists were travelling in their official vehicle to their various assigned venues when they decided to film an accident involving a police officer riding an unregistered motorcycle who had hit their vehicle.
About ten police officers, who were unhappy about the filming and ensuing exchanges between the journalists’ driver and the police motor rider, and in an attempt to cease the recording device, reportedly pounced on the journalists and assaulted them.
One of the journalists, a lactating mother who had her baby through a caesarean section, was hit in the lower abdomen, collapsed, and was rushed to the Emergency Unit of the Ridge Hospital while the others were again manhandled by the police.
CHRAJ condemns Police assault on Ghanaian Times journos
The Commission of Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) condemned the assault describing it as a “heinous crime”.
According to the Commission, the assault on the journalists is a clear case of human rights violation, adding that the victims should all be compensated.
We’ll file charges against police officers who attacked our reporters – Ghanaian Times
Print media house, Ghanaian Times says it will file charges against police officials who assaulted three of its reporters earlier this week.
In a Citi News interview, Editor for Ghanaian Times, David Agbenu said his outfit will soon make available a report on the attack to the Information Ministry, which is expected to be forwarded to the Interior Ministry for appropriate actions to be taken.
“We have made initial contacts with the Ministry of Information because that is our Sector Minister and we are going to provide him with a full report and ask that the matter be reported officially to the Minister of Interior who has jurisdiction over the Police so appropriate action is taken.”
“The Police say that they are charging Malik for assault. We are contesting it and we are going to file charges against the Police for attacking our reporters and also for causing damage to our vehicle.”
We’re investigating the assault on Ghanaian Times reporters – Police
The Police administration has said it is commenced investigations into the assault of three Ghanaian Times journalists.
It said the police service is looking into the motor traffic accident allegedly committed by the police officers as well.
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By: Marian Ansah| citinewsroom.com| Ghana
Follow @EfeAnsah
The post Gov’t apologizes to assaulted Ghanaian Times reporters appeared first on Citi Newsroom.
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