Journalist nearly assaulted by angry NDC supporters

The timely intervention of the Police in Dormaa Ahenkro in the Brong Ahafo region, stopped Mr Robert Tachie Menson, a reporter of the Ghana News Agency, from being attacked during the National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary primaries.

The incident happened in front of the local office of the Electoral Commission (EC).

The angry NDC supporters accused the journalist of recording and eavesdropping on conversations and critical concerns which were being raised by Mr John Adu Jack, one of the parliamentary aspirants in the Dormaa Central Municipality, over issues pertaining to the credibility of the register in the Dormaa Central Constituency.

One of the culprits, who was identified as Acheampong, a personal assistant to Mr Jack, demanded that the journalist erase the recording on his smart phone.

“Well I had to monitor proceedings and activities pertaining to the coverage of the election. I had my phone with me anyway but I was not recording anything he claimed. And you are not under any obligation to dictate to me how to go about my job”, the journalist stated.

This culminated in verbal exchanges between  the  Reporter and the supporters, drawing a large crowd with armed Police officers including the Municipal Police Commander, Chief Superintendent Foli Washington and the Divisional Commander close to the scene who quickly intervened to control the situation.

Calm was finally restored when the reporter showed his accreditation card on demand by one of the Police officers.

The supporters including Mr Kwame Agyenim-Boateng, one of the parliamentary aspirants, accused the journalist of intrusion and questioned his right to cover proceedings at the EC’s office.

All three aspirants were present at the EC’s office in the morning to acquaint themselves with preparations and activities for the elections, and expressed concern about discrepancies on the voters register, asking that due process be followed.

Source: GNA