The management of Citi FM and Citi TV has petitioned the police to arrest and punish the NDC supporters who attacked its journalist, Akosua Otchere, as soon as possible.

The management stated in a news release released on Sunday, October 15, that the complaint had been filed at the La Police Station.

The victim was “subjected to a severe assault while diligently performing her professional duties” on Friday, October 13, during the vetting process of parliamentary candidate aspirants for the National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the Odododiodio constituency, Greater Accra Region.

It went on to say that unless the culprits are apprehended and convicted, journalists in the nation would be afraid to carry out their professional jobs.

“The management of Citi FM and Citi TV has formally lodged a complaint at the La Police Station to ensure a lawful investigation into this matter.

“We demand swift and thorough action from the police administration to identify and apprehend those responsible for the assault on Ms Otchere.”

“Until those responsible for this assault are arrested and brought to justice, journalists will not feel safe in the execution of their professional duties,” an excerpt of the statement said. 

Despite the fact that the victim has gotten the appropriate medical treatment and is recuperating, the management has stated that it will fully cooperate with the authorities to guarantee a prompt investigation and conviction of the perpetrators.

“We want to make it unequivocally clear that the management of Citi FM and Citi TV is prepared and willing to cooperate fully with the police in both the investigation and successful prosecution of those culpable. Our commitment to justice is unwavering.”

On Friday, October 13, 2023, Akosua Otchere was attacked while reporting the vetting of National Democratic Congress (NDC) parliamentary contenders in Accra’s Odododiodio seat.

Some NDC thugs assaulted Ms Otchere, twisting her hand and stealing her phone.

This occurred when members of one of the aspirant’s camps trashed party property, including chairs and an air conditioner, and attacked vetting committee members with stones, blaming them for being unjust.

The Odododiodio seat is a notable hotspot for vandalism and political violence, with multiple incidences reported over the years.

Following this terrible episode, numerous Ghanaians and organisations have criticised it, including the Ghana Journalist Association and the Ministry of Information.

For instance, the Ministry in a statement signed by the Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah noted that “Journalism is not a crime” therefore journalists should not suffer “any form of harassment, intimidation, or attack simply for doing their work.”

“The Ministry of Information has noted with concern a report of an assault of a Citi FM reporter, Ms Akosua Otchere, while covering an event on Friday, 13th October 2023.”

“The Ministry condemns in no uncertain terms the subjecting of journalists or media houses to any form of harassment, intimidation, or attack simply for doing their work. Journalism is not a crime,” portions of the statement noted. 

This heinous incident occurred only a week after public indignation over an attempted assassination at United Television, where several NPP thugs stormed a live TV broadcast to voice their disgust with the show’s content.

Although the Ministry of Information released a similar statement denouncing the conduct, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and certain members of the public were dissatisfied with aspects of it.