Police in the Greater Accra Region have arrested a 55-year-old man, Theophilus Thompson, in connection with the recent attack on Joy News journalist Latif Iddrisu.

0

The incident occurred on the evening of May 27, around 7:00 p.m., during a protest outside the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra. The demonstration, sparked by the arrest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)'s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—drew participation from party loyalists and some Members of Parliament.

1

Latif Iddrisu, who was on duty covering the protest, was engaging supporters of the NPP who had massed up at the EOCO premises demanding Wontumi’s release when he was struck at the back of his head by a male supporter.

2

"I have been assaulted by these individuals on live television," the visibly frustrated journalist stated during his broadcast.

3

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 8, the police announced that Thompson was arrested on Saturday, June 7, at about 5:00 p.m. in James Town.

4

“Following investigations, on 7th June 2025 at about 5:00 p.m., the Regional Police Command arrested Theophilus Thompson, aged 55, at James Town in connection with the assault,” the statement read.

5

He is currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

6

The police have also assured the public of their commitment to identifying and apprehending other individuals involved in the assault.

7

The Accra Regional Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the rights of journalists and ensuring accountability for acts of violence against members of the media and the general public.

8

Commenting on attacks on journalist, the GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour emphasized the need to defend media freedom and address the alarming rate of attacks on journalists.

9

He noted that these attacks have been a major drawback to Ghana's World Press Freedom Index in recent years, but the GJA is poised to reset this narrative.

10

The GJA has called on all stakeholders, including the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and civil society organizations, to help address the issue of attacks on media practitioners.

11

SUSPECT-ARRESTED-IN-CONNECTION-WITH-ASSAULT-OF-MULTIMEDIA-JOURNALIST1Download

12