A police officer assigned to polling duty during Friday’s parliamentary election re-run in the Ablekuma North constituency allegedly assaulted a journalist covering the event, prompting calls for his removal from both political and legal figures.

The journalist, Banahene Agyekum of GH One Television, was reportedly attacked while reporting from one of 19 polling stations where voting is being held to determine the constituency’s representative in Parliament. The alleged incident occurred in full view of Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey, who told reporters that the officer in question “has a hot temper” and should be immediately reassigned.

“This is unacceptable behavior,” Mr. Allotey said. “We cannot allow such conduct to interfere with the democratic process.”

Appearing on TV3’s New Day program, legal practitioner Abraham Amaliba urged the Inspector General of Police to take swift action. “You have powers of arrest, not powers to be beating people,” Mr. Amaliba said. “If the IGP is listening, he should withdraw the man.”

TV3 journalist George Kwenning, reporting from the scene, said the district police commander had arrived at the polling station to investigate the altercation.

The election, which is a partial rerun, features National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate Ewurabena Aubynn facing off against the New Patriotic Party’s (NPP) Nana Akua Owusu Afriyieh. The outcome will finalize representation for the Ablekuma North constituency after irregularities in the 2024 general election led to a court-mandated re-vote in selected polling stations.

Source:TheDotNews