Ghanaian journalists assaulted over stranded supporters

Three Ghanaian journalists were on Tuesday, February 12, assaulted by suspected bodyguards of the Chief Executive Officer of African Origin Travel and Sports Tourism at the OR Tambo International Airport.

The three well built men reportedly assaulted Skyy TV’s Russell Wiafe for allegedly taking pictures of stranded Ghanaian supporters at the airport.

Mr. Wiafe said he was attacked before he could tell them that he was only taking a picture of another female journalist Helga Goka.

Russell Wiafe confirmed the incident to Citi Sports adding that he was taking pictures of a female sports journalist when he was suddenly confronted by some men who beat him up together with the girl and another freelance journalist.

“They just walked up to me and before I could say anything they started beating me up. I have been going to the hospital since I got back to Ghana and I can tell you that I am in serious pain,” he stated.

Scores of Ghanaian supporters, who were sponsored by the government to support Ghana’s campaign at the 2013 African Nations Cup, thronged the OR Tambo International Airport from Monday 11th February to catch a flight home following the conclusion of the tournament on Sunday but many were left disappointed after realising they were not part of the group scheduled to leave for Accra.

The Chief Executive Officer of African Origin Travel and Sports Tourism, Samson Deen, could not be reached for his side of the story, as he was said to be in a meeting.