A disturbing incident involving a Media Practitioner has been reported at Lapaz Tabora in Accra, raising serious concerns about press freedom, the conduct of local authority task force operations, and the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties in public spaces.
Eric Baidoo, a Cameraman with Wesleyan Television (WTV), reported that the incident occurred while he was returning home from work when he encountered a group of individuals believed to be working under the Ga Central Municipal Assembly who were engaged in an exercise to remove vendors trading along the roadside.
According to him, after observing the exercise, he decided to film the entire situation for news coverage because he believed the exercise was being carried out for a good cause and was a matter of public interest, particularly as issues concerning street trading and city authorities remain a subject of national discussion.
However, the situation took an unexpected turn when the officials noticed that he was filming and immediately approached him to question why he was recording them, a reaction which in his view raised concern because if the exercise was lawful and in the interest of the public, there should have been no reason to prevent media coverage or confront a journalist performing his lawful duty.
Mr Baidoo further explained that the situation escalated when about five to six of the officials allegedly pounced on him and physically assaulted him, after which they forcibly took his phone from him and placed him in handcuffs with the intention of sending him to their office. During the altercation, Mr Baidoo said he questioned the officers whether that was how media practitioners were treated in the country. According to him, upon hearing that statement, their attitude suddenly changed and they became calm.
Still seeking due process and answers, Mr Baidoo said he insisted that if he had committed any offence, he should be taken to a police station for the matter to be handled officially, but the officials were reluctant to send him to the police. He stated that they later forced their way to remove the handcuffs from his hands, and in the process he sustained bruises due to the force used, after which the officials quickly left the scene in what he believed was an attempt to avoid public attention and possible questioning.
Following the incident, Mr Baidoo reported the case to the Israel Police Station, where the matter is currently being handled by the Station CID. He added that he has been issued a medical request form to visit the hospital for examination to determine whether he is medically fit or requires further medical attention as a result of the assault.
The incident once again brings to the forefront the growing concern over attacks on journalists in recent times, particularly in situations where media practitioners are performing their constitutional duty to inform the public.
There are increasing calls for the government and relevant authorities to act decisively to curb such incidents, ensure accountability for abuse of authority, and guarantee the safety and protection of journalists, whose role remains essential to transparency, accountability, and the strengthening of democratic governance.
The case remains under investigation, and further updates are expected as the police and relevant authorities continue their work to establish the full facts and determine the appropriate course of action.
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