General News of Tuesday, 30 October 2018

Source: Kojo Acheampong

NDC security man assaults journalist at conference

Emmanuel Sackey, journalist at Top FM narrating his ordeal play videoEmmanuel Sackey, journalist at Top FM narrating his ordeal

A member of the NDC security is reported to have assaulted a journalist at the party's just ended youth and women conference at Gomoa fetteh in the Central Region.

The journalist, who was punched in the face by the NDC macho man sustained a deep cut on the mouth, immediately drawing the attention of some good samaritans to intervene.

But for the timely response of the ambulance service, the plight of the Top FM journalist, Emmanuel Sackey, could have worsened.

Narrating his ordeal to the media, Emmanuel Sackey said he was hit by the security guard after he tried to get closer to the newly elected Deputy Youth Organiser of the NDC, Edem Agbanyo for an interview after the event.

He was allegedly punched by the security detail whose identity is yet to be ascertained.

The assault comes at a time when calls have been made to prevent the brutalities against journalists.

Multimedia reporter Parker Wilson, was on Monday also assaulted in line of duty by a member of the security detail of Ex-President John Mahama.
He was allegedly slapped by the security detail whose identity is yet to be ascertained.

The assault left the journalist visibly bruised with part of his face swollen and his right eye teary with pain.

Other journalists including Latif Iddris and Kwadwo Mensah Abroampa have equally had a fair said of the brutalities with little to compensate.

Despite several calls from Civil Society Organizations and other institutions to put an end to these assaults, it appears the attacks still continue.

Already some Ghanaians feel the attack against journalists is an attack on democracy and free speech in the country.

Until a clear-cut law is designed to protect journalists like Emmanuel Sackey, the assault could render him frustrated, unsecured, and timid throughout his entire career as a journalist.