Screenshot of a video from the scene of the assault
The Ghana Police Service has announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the assault of Latif Iddrisu, a JoyNews journalist, during the protest by supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) over the arrest and prolonged detention of the party’s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako, alias “Chairman Wontumi.”
The police, in a statement issued on Sunday, June 8, 2025, indicated that the suspect, 55-year-old Theophilus Thompson, was arrested on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
It added that it was working to arrest all the individuals involved in the assault.
“Following investigations, on June 7, 2025, at about 5:00 pm, the Regional Police Command arrested Theophilus Thompson, aged 55, at James Town in connection with the assault. The suspect is currently in custody and is assisting with the investigation.
“Efforts are underway to identify and arrest other individuals involved in the incident,” part of the statement reads.
It concluded by stating; “The Accra Regional Police Command reiterates its commitment to protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring that anyone who engages in acts of violence against media personnel or any member of the public is brought to justice.”
Additional information gathered by GhanaWeb indicates that the suspect will be arraigned before a circuit court in Accra on Monday, June 9, 2025, as the police work to arrest the other suspects.
About the assault:
Supporters of the NPP had gathered outside the EOCO office, demanding his release, leading to heightened tensions.
During the agitation, some supporters clashed with police and reportedly vandalised two police vehicles, prompting the deployment of additional security to maintain order.
Latif Iddrisu was covering the event when he was assaulted by some of the protesters.
Video footage shared by JoyNews showed a chaotic scene with a large crowd surrounding Iddrisu, who was attempting to report on the situation.
“Nobody has attacked any police,” some angry supporters shouted at the journalist upon hearing the details of his live report.
“Some party supporters have concerns about the fact that has been reported. But that is the fact, and we will not back down on that. The fact is that – and you will find it in the video that we sent – that and that has been sent about the attack on the pickup truck by some of the supporters of the New Patriotic Party who have gathered here to show solidarity to the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party,” the reporter emphasised.
In the heat of the report, Latif was surrounded by some of the supporters who sought to register their displeasure with the report, while some were seen heckling and shoving him.
The reporter at one point noted that he had been hit with a stone.
“So right now, I have been assaulted with this pebble, and the assault is captured live on television…” Latif reported.
Watch video of the incident below:
JoyNews’ Latif Iddrisu assaulted at EOCO following arrest of NPP’s Chairman Wontumi #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/Guv5UHaEZx
— JoyNews (@JoyNewsOnTV) May 27, 2025
BAI/AE
