Eastern Regional GJA Condemns Police Assault on Journalist at Kukurantumi

The Eastern Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned what it describes as a brutal assault on a journalist by a police officer during a farmers’ demonstration at Kukurantumi in the Eastern Region after the Metro Lens Newspaper Published the issue on its Monday January 12, 2026 publication.

In a statement issued for immediate release, the Association said the incident involved Peace FM’s Eastern Regional Correspondent, Michael Akrofi, who was lawfully covering a protest by farmers over the destruction of their crops by Fulani herdsmen and their cattle .

According to the GJA, the journalist was allegedly attacked from behind by a police officer stationed at the Tafo–Kukurantumi Formed Police Unit (FPU) base. The officer is said to have strangled Mr Akrofi’s neck on three separate occasions and later threatened him following the assault.

The Association noted that as a result of the attack, the journalist suffered pains in his neck, back and waist, and was compelled to seek medical treatment at a health facility. The matter has since been officially reported to the Eastern Regional Police Command, but the GJA said that as at the time of issuing the statement, no response or feedback had been provided to the victim .

Describing the alleged conduct as barbaric and unprofessional, the GJA said the assault constitutes a direct attack on press freedom and the constitutional right of journalists to work without fear, intimidation or violence. The Association stressed that journalists play a critical role in informing the public, particularly during tense situations such as demonstrations, and must be protected rather than assaulted by security personnel.

The Eastern Regional GJA has therefore called on the Inspector-General of Police and the Eastern Regional Police Command to immediately investigate the incident and ensure that the officer involved is identified and dealt with in accordance with the law. It warned that acts of impunity by security officers against journalists must not be tolerated.

The Association further underscored the need for stronger collaboration and cooperation between journalists and security agencies, emphasizing that mutual respect, clear understanding of roles and adherence to professional standards are essential for maintaining public order while safeguarding democratic freedoms