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IGP assures safety ahead of Akwatia by-election
Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), has assured political parties, journalists and the citizenry of maximum security during the upcoming Akwatia by-election. He said the Ghana Police Service would deploy about 600 personnel, who had undergone high-risk operational training, to prevent ballot box snatching, weapons smuggling and other electoral offences.
The IGP said this during a meeting between the Police leadership and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) at the International Press Centre on Wednesday in Accra to discuss recent attacks on journalists and measures to strengthen police-media relations.
The Police Management Board, executives of the GJA, veteran journalists and senior editors of major media outlets attended the meeting.
The IGP revealed that he had met with political party representatives to caution them against encouraging misconduct, warning that offenders would be swiftly arrested and detained in police ‘Black Marias’ (prison vans).
He said journalists covering the polls would be protected and not subjected to intimidation.
Mr Yohuno said the Police Service was committed to building public confidence in the electoral process through professionalism and fairness, adding that both security and media freedom would be safeguarded.
He provided updates on progress being made on investigations into attacks on some journalists, highlighting the interdiction of the senior officer who assaulted an EIB Network reporter during the Ablekuma North by-election on July 11, 2025.
The IGP said the docket on the matter had been forwarded to the Attorney-General for advice.
A report from the Police Professional Standards Bureau, he disclosed, had also given clearance to initiate disciplinary proceedings against the officer involved.
He said eight suspects linked to recent attacks on journalists had also been arrested and expected to be arraigned this week.
Other investigations, including attacks that occurred during the Council of State elections in Kumasi, were also ongoing.
Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President, GJA, welcomed the assurances given by the IGP but stressed the need for accountability, justice and improved security measures. He called on the Police to translate assurances of protection for journalists into concrete action, particularly in addressing longstanding cases of attacks against media practitioners.
The GJA President expressed relief that progress was being made in the case of the EIB Network reporter, describing it as a long-awaited step towards justice. He added that the GJA’s legal team was ready to join the Police in court to monitor proceedings and brief members on the outcomes.
Mr Dwumfour pressed for updates on investigations into other unresolved cases, including that of Mr Latif Idris, a journalist who has suffered repeated attacks and threats to his life.
“Our brother has been cut off due to the threats on his life. He has had to disguise himself and has been off duty for a while now. This affects professionalism,” he said.
“Even though we continue to discharge our duties under threat, this is the second time he is facing such intimidation. We want to know the status of his cases and what security can be provided for him to continue working.”
The GJA President raised concerns over reports from the Ashanti Regional Police Command regarding the Council of State election attacks, insisting that contrary to claims by the Regional Commander that no medical reports had been received, victims had indeed submitted such documents but had received no feedback.
He drew attention to renewed threats against some political talkshow hosts and presenters, stressing the need for swift intervention to safeguard their lives.
Mr Dwumfour commended the Police Service for agreeing to collaborate with the GJA on training programmes for both journalists and officers to ensure mutual understanding, prevent conflict and foster a common goal of protecting democracy.
Source: GNA
