By Collins Sarkodieh 
Ever watched security forces target the very people who bring you the truth? I hate witnessing reporters face physical attacks while doing honest work. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) recently stepped forward to slam a disgraceful incident in the Oti Region.
Military personnel brutally targeted an Adom FM reporter during a tense political exercise. IMO, nobody deserves physical violence just for holding a camera. 🙂
The Chaos at Nkwanta South Elections
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) organized constituency elections in Nkwanta South on July 11, 2026. Everything ran smoothly until strict curfew hours approached. Tensions escalated rapidly as citizens and journalists rushed toward their homes. Unfortunately, enforcement teams completely overstepped their boundaries that evening.
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Event Date: July 11, 2026.
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Location: Nkwanta South, Oti Region.
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Trigger: Curfew enforcement during NPP elections.
Why do security officers treat local reporters like criminal suspects? Covering public events falls squarely within a journalist’s professional mandate. Officials must understand that recording history does not break any laws.
Military Personnel Assault Adom FM Reporter
Armed soldiers patrolling the area confronted Adom FM and TV reporter Obrempongba Benjamin Kwame Owusu. They accused him of recording videos and capturing photographs of the election proceedings. Instead of asking for proper identification, the troops resorted to brute force. They manhandled Mr. Owusu aggressively and ripped his branded Adom T-shirt right off his back.
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Victim: Obrempongba Benjamin Kwame Owusu.
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Outlet: Adom FM and TV.
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Action: Troops physically attacked him over photographs.
FYI, taking pictures in a public space never justifies a military beatdown. Journalists document reality for the public good. Attacking a reporter damages public trust in national security institutions.
Police and BNI Personnel Rescue the Journalist
The violent confrontation threatened to turn fatal before law enforcement intervened. Personnel from the Ghana Police Service, the Bureau of National Investigations (BNI), and other brave officials rushed to the scene. They pulled the battered reporter away from the aggressive soldiers. Medical professionals quickly admitted Mr. Owusu to St. Joseph Hospital for emergency treatment.
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Rescuers: Police and BNI officers.
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Hospital: St. Joseph Hospital.
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Condition: Sustained injuries requiring immediate care.
Witnesses also reported other disturbing curfew incidents during the chaos. A senior high school graduate and an ‘okada’ rider crashed their motorcycle while fleeing the strict curfew deadline. Overzealous enforcement hurts ordinary citizens in multiple ways.
GJA President Demands Swift Accountability
GJA President Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour addressed journalists during a passionate press conference in Accra. He condemned the military brutality without mincing words. He demanded that the Ghana Armed Forces and the Ghana Police Service launch immediate, transparent investigations. Anyone finding themselves culpable must face severe disciplinary consequences.
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Speaker: GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.
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Venue: Press conference in Accra.
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Demand: Immediate investigation and accountability.
How can authorities expect citizens to trust security agencies when soldiers attack innocent professionals? Accountability builds a safer environment for everyone. Justice demands immediate action from top military commanders.
Safeguarding Press Freedom in Ghana
Mr. Dwumfour reiterated the GJA’s unwavering commitment to defending press freedom across the nation. Journalists cover elections, public gatherings, and national developments without fear or intimidation. A free press forms the absolute bedrock of any healthy democracy. Security restrictions never grant a blank check for human rights abuses.
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Core Value: Defense of press freedom.
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Key Message: Journalists possess the right to report freely.
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Future Goal: Stronger engagement between media and security forces.
Security personnel must enforce rules fairly, lawfully, and proportionately. Reporters also carry an obligation to maintain professionalism during sensitive assignments. Mutual respect solves conflicts faster than brute force.
Conclusion on Media Safety
The Nkwanta South assault highlights an urgent need for better journalist protection frameworks in Ghana. Security agencies must train their officers to respect media credentials during high-stress operations. Reporters deserve safety while informing the public. Let us champion press freedom and demand genuine accountability from our leaders.
Also Read: Binduri Attack: Motorbike Ban Imposed, 21 Arrested as Military Hunts Remaining Suspects