Another Journalist Assaulted By Police

…PRINPAG Petitions IGP For Probe

The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), has petitioned the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Dr George Akuffo Dampare, to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the manhandling of one of its members, Ralph Apetorgbor by some idle police officers.

The Association said, Mr Apetorgbor, who is a Consulting Editor at Telegraph Ghana, an online news portal was allegedly subjected to physical assault by two police officers on February 12, 2024, while he was covering the inauguration of the Ga Municipal Assembly at Sowutuom.

The officers, were identified as Chief Inspector Aikins and ASP Richard Kungu, both stationed at the Sowutuom District Headquarters in Accra.

PRINPAG in a press release issued by its acting Executive Secretary, Jeorge Wilson Kingson and sighted by The Anchor dated Monday, February 19 said, “The reprehensible conduct of these officers does not only violate the right of Mr Apetorgbor, but also undermines the principles of press freedom and the essential role of journalists in upholding transparency and accountability within society.

Such acts of aggression against members of the media are unacceptable and represent a direct threat to the democratic values we hold dear”.

According to the PRINPAG, “It is imperative that those responsible for this reprehensible act are held accountable for their actions in accordance with the law”.

“PRINPAG calls on the relevant authorities to uphold the principles of justice and take decisive measures to ensure the safety and protection of journalists across Ghana. Freedom of the press is a fundamental pillar of democracy, and any attack on any journalist, is an attack on the democratic fabric of our society,” the release added.

Accordig to The Anchor’s information, the police officers had accused Mr Apetorgbor of filming of the proceedings without their authorization, even though the journalist was only carrying out his watchdog role to ensure transparency, accountability, and press freedom in accordance with the democratic tenets of the country.

The group said, in light of this incident, they demand an immediate action by the Inspector General of Police and provide updates on the investigation to ensure the lawless officers are brought to book.

“We urge the IGP to expedite the investigation process and provide timely updates on the progress of the case. PRINPAG, remains vigilant in monitoring developments and will continue to advocate for the rights of journalists in Ghana,” it said.

The group said, it stands in solidarity with the victim and assures protection of all journalists in the course of their works, stressing that the work of a journalist is not a crime.

“PRINPAG stands in solidarity with Mr Apetorgbor and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and protection of journalists in the pursuit of their professional duties. Journalism is not a crime, and journalists must be allowed to perform their vital role in keeping the public informed without fear of intimidation or violence,” the statement assured.

Source: Anchorghana.com