The police officer said to have used his elbow and fist to punch the tummy of the Ghanaian Times journalist, Raissa Sambou a nursing mother who gave birth in December through surgery (cesarean) and was rushed to the emergency unit of the Ridge Hospital after she collapsed, has been identified as Sergeant Ebenezer Asiedu of the Accra SWAT Unit.
Sergeant Ebenezer Asiedu is said to have carelessly used his unregistered motorbike to hit a vehicle belonging to the Ghanaian Times near the Kinbu Traffic Light in Accra on Thursday after allegedly jumping traffic.
The front bumper and side mirror of the Nissan vehicle was broken as a result of that.
The Police Administration has explained it has instituted an investigation into the reported case of assault and motor traffic accident which involved the police officer and the journalists from Ghanaian Times newspaper on Thursday, March 14, 2019.
Three journalists from the Ghanaian Times who were on their way for the day’s assignment were Thursday morning assaulted by about ten police officers at Kinbu in Accra Central.
The assault followed the traffic offence.
About 10 police officers who chanced on the exchanges after the accident and were not happy that the journalists had tried to record (video) the accident and the ensuing exchanges between their driver and the police motor rider, pounced on the journalists and physically assaulted them.
Mr Malik Sullemana, a court reporter, Mrs. Raissa Sambou, a general reporter and Mr Salifu Abdul Rahman, an assistant editor, felt the full effect of the brute force used by the police officers, leading to two of them being sent to the hospital to receive medical attention.
Mrs Sambou, a nursing mother who recently gave birth through surgery (cesarean) was rushed to the emergency unit of the Ridge Hospital, while Sullemana, who received a chunk of the assault was locked up at the Ministries Police Station, but was later released.
Police statement
In a statement signed and issued by ACP David Eklu, Director General of Police Public Affairs, the police said preliminary information gathered does not suggest the journalists were targeted because of their profession but it was a traffic offence which resulted in a scuffle between the journalists and the police officers.
It said immediately the Director-General heard about the incident, he worked with the Editor of the Ghanaian Times newspaper to ensure that the journalists received medical attention.
“As at today Friday, March 15, 2019, the Police officer has been identified and a statement taken from him at the Ministries Police Station. Other witnesses have also given statements whilst efforts are being made to take a statement from the journalists,” it added.
It said in addition, a report of the motor traffic accident case has also been reported at the Ministries Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD).
“The Police Administration assures the public, especially the media, that it has taken note of the comments expressed on this case and other cases where journalists are alleged to have been attacked by Police officers thus causing needless friction between the Police and the journalists.”
“In view of these concerns, the Police is collaborating with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), National Media Commission (NMC) and other media partners to develop pragmatic framework to ensure the safety and improve working relations between the Police and the media.”.
It added that an update on the progress of investigations will be communicated.
Source: Graphic.com
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