Accra-based GHOne TV journalist, Kwabena Agyekum Banahene, who was physically assaulted during his coverage of the parliamentary rerun election at the Ablekuma North Constituency, has recounted the encounter he had with the police officer.

According to Banahene, along with other journalists, he was monitoring activities at the Church of Pentecost Odorkor Polling Station when a police officer approached him directly and demanded that he leave the premises.

Despite identifying himself as a journalist and explaining his role in covering the election, Banahene said the officer slapped him without any justification, leaving him stunned and injured.

“We were all there, witnessing the events unfold, and he suddenly approached me and ordered me to leave. I explained that I couldn’t step out as I was working as a journalist. And then he slapped me. I hadn’t done anything unethical. My only ‘offense’ was refusing to leave,” he narrated.

Banahene further revealed that the force of the slap has left him with a swollen tooth and trembling eyes.

He said he fears that he may suffer lasting effects after covering the Ablekuma North election, similar to what was experienced by another journalist who was also assaulted recently.

He expressed deep concern over being singled out by the officer, noting that no other journalists present were approached or confronted.

He said “Right now, I have a swollen tooth and I’m beginning to experience exactly what another journalist from Multimedia went through when he was attacked. Honestly, I don’t know what this election will put me through.

"What’s even more troubling is that he didn’t confront any of the other journalists, just me, Banahene. I don’t understand why I was singled out. I never insulted him. I was simply doing my job. We’re all here as media watchmen. So, why target me, jump at me, and slap me without cause?”

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Meanwhile, you can watch GhanaWeb TV’s exclusive interview with Arathejay below: