Police Investigate Alleged Assault of Journalist During Chairman Wontumi’s Arrest at EOCO

/ Tensions rise as Joy FM’s Latif Iddrisu is allegedly assaulted by NPP supporters amid protests over Chairman Wontumi’s arrest linked to illegal mining and Exim Bank dealings.

০ Journalist Assaulted: Joy FM reporter Latif Iddrisu was allegedly attacked by NPP supporters during the arrest of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi).

০ Police Investigation Launched: The Greater Accra Regional Police Command is reviewing video footage and eyewitness accounts to identify the assailants.

০ Wontumi’s Legal Woes: The NPP Chairman faces allegations related to illegal mining and Exim Bank transactions, with bail set at GH¢50 million.

Authorities launch investigation into claims a journalist was assaulted during Wontumi’s
EOCO arrest incident.

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command has officially launched an investigation into the reported assault of Joy FM journalist Latif Iddrisu, who was allegedly attacked by supporters of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) during a tense protest outside the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra. The incident occurred on May 27, 2025, during the arrest of Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi.

In a press statement released on May 28, 2025, and signed by Superintendent Juliana Obeng, Head of Public Affairs for the Accra Region, the Ghana Police Service affirmed its dedication to upholding press freedom and maintaining law and order. The statement confirmed that the police are analyzing video recordings and eyewitness testimonies to determine the events that led to the alleged assault and to identify those responsible.

“The Ghana Police Service reaffirms its commitment to upholding the rights of all individuals, including members of the media, and ensuring that the rule of law is maintained throughout our operations,” the statement read.

The chaos unfolded as NPP supporters gathered in protest during Wontumi’s arrest by EOCO. The protest turned confrontational, culminating in the reported attack on the journalist. Wontumi had earlier reported to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) for questioning related to illegal mining allegations.

According to his lawyer, Andy Appiah-Kubi, Wontumi’s detention also stems from unresolved issues involving Exim Bank, with a writ of summons served against him. After undergoing intense interrogation, Wontumi reportedly fell ill and was hospitalised. Despite being granted bail by EOCO on May 28, 2025, he failed to meet the GH¢50 million bail condition, resulting in his continued detention.

As investigations proceed, media advocacy groups have called for swift justice and protection for journalists performing their duties under challenging circumstances. The unfolding developments raise critical concerns about press safety and political accountability in Ghana’s democratic space.

See how irrational the NPP can be? Attacking a journalist simply for covering your unauthorized gathering at EOCO, just because Wontumi was invited for a criminal investigation.
What really was the essence of the assault on Joy News journalist for?

This is why I call them… pic.twitter.com/yG2BIjXXYO

— BARNES (@IdanBarnes) May 27, 2025

#WontumiArrest #PressFreedom #EOCO #GhanaPolice #LatifIddrisu #IllegalMiningGhana #EximBankGhana #NPPProtests #MediaSafety #TheMiraspectNews #TrendingNow