Former Member of Parliament for Anyaa Sowutuom, Dr. Dickson Adomako Kissi, has expressed concern over the Ghana Police Service’s decision to interdict a police officer captured on video assaulting a journalist during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun. He argues that the officer was not granted a fair hearing before disciplinary action was taken.
Speaking on Breakfast Daily on Channel One TV on Tuesday, July 15, Dr. Adomako Kissi criticised what he described as a hasty and inappropriate response by the police hierarchy.
“I would have hoped that the regional commander at Odorkor would have briefed Ghanaians on the events following the rerun in Ablekuma North,” he said.
“I must admit, though the interdiction of the officer seems swift, it is inappropriate. There should have been a fair hearing. I do not believe the policeman has been heard.”
While clarifying that he was not siding with either the police or the media, the former MP stressed the need for justice to be rooted in fairness and due process.
“Ideally, there should be a two-week window where both sides are heard before a decision is made. Justice isn’t about how fast it’s delivered — it’s about how fair it is. This, in my view, was a rush to judgment. I do not accept it,” he added.
The Ghana Police Service confirmed the interdiction on Friday, July 11, in a statement signed by ASP Richmond Mensah on behalf of the Director of Public Affairs. According to the statement, the officer was immediately removed from duty following a review of a widely circulated video that showed him assaulting journalist Agyekum Banahene at the Church of Pentecost, North Odorkor Polling Station 2.
Banahene, a reporter with GHOne TV, stated that he felt physically attacked and deliberately targeted while covering the electoral process. The incident has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed national debate over media freedom and police accountability during elections.
In response to the backlash, Interior Minister Muntaka Mubarak has pledged a thorough and impartial investigation, assuring the public of a fair and transparent process.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Nana Agyenim Boateng Sikapa
