Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has condemned the violence that marred parts of the parliamentary rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency, specifically denouncing the attack on two journalists during the voting process.
Her statement reaffirmed the government’s official position on protecting press freedom and maintaining public order, following a viral video showing a police officer assaulting a reporter.
“I’d like to say that it was unfortunate, and completely unwarranted.
“And to reiterate the position of government, as has been clearly espoused by the Minister of Government Communications – government itself takes a very serious stance, especially on security agencies meting out unwarranted violence against civilians under any circumstance”
Shamima Muslim, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson
According to Shamima Muslim, the swift response by the Ghana Police Service is commendable, especially in light of growing concerns over security conduct during elections. With footage of the assault circulating widely online, pressure mounted quickly on the Ghana Police Service to take decisive action in the early hours of the day.
The Police Administration, in response, issued an official statement stating that after monitoring the unfortunate situation, the officer in question was removed from the rerun election duty. The police further added that he was “interdicted and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation.”
The statement, signed by Assistant Superintendent of Police Richmond Mensah for the Director of Public Affairs assured the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter and further updates communicated.
However the incident, which occurred alongside another alleged case of assault on members of the media covering the 19 polling stations in the Ablekuma North, has raised fresh questions about the relationship between security agencies and the media in the conduct of elections.
Firm Condemnation
The rerun of the Ablekuma North parliamentary election has been fraught with tension, with accusations of vote buying and physical attacks disrupting the process at various points. Government officials, however, have made clear that violence of any sort will not be condoned, particularly when directed at the media.
In an earlier post, Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, also condemned the incident and emphasized that attacks on journalists “must not be tolerated.” He confirmed the interdiction of the officer involved and described him as “overzealous.”
Shamima Muslim echoed this stance while urging the public to allow the last minutes of the process to continue peacefully. “It’s 19 polling stations, really, we shouldn’t have seen the kinds of visuals that we saw,” she said.
She urged that anyone who is found to have breached the public order and safety of citizens should be appropriately apprehended and dealt with by the Ghana Police Service after all is said and done.
The Ablekuma North rerun is of particular national interest due to its parliamentary implications. With the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC) holding a majority in Parliament, the outcome could further determine whether the party secures a two-thirds supermajority or whether the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) can hold them off.
While the broader political stakes remain high, and the election draws to a close, the government insists that democratic norms must not be compromised.
The Mahama administration, through its spokespersons and ministers, stressed a commitment to peaceful and credible elections, firmly condemning any violence or misconduct, especially from state institutions like the police.
As investigations into the journalist assault continue, the Ghana Police Service has called on the public to remain calm, assuring citizens of transparency in their internal disciplinary processes.
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