“We will make sure, we protect you” – IGP assure Journalists ahead of Akwatia by-election

The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, has assured journalists of their safety and protection ahead of the upcoming Akwatia by-election.

The IGP also urged police officers nationwide to treat members of the media with respect and restraint.

This reassurance comes on the heels of a recent incident in which a journalist was assaulted by a police officer during the Ablekuma North parliamentary rerun in July—a development that sparked concern among media professionals and civil society groups.

Addressing the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) during a stakeholder meeting in Accra on Wednesday, August 20, the IGP acknowledged the indispensable role journalists play in promoting transparency and accountability during elections.

"All we are telling police personnel countrywide is that the brothers and sisters who hold the camera and the phones to take whatever they want during the election time—I think there is a level to which they can go, but you have to be moderate in handling them,” the IGP said.

He emphasized that journalists serve as the eyes and ears of the nation during election periods, providing critical updates to the public and shaping national discourse.

“Without them, the rest of the people who are at home watching—they cannot see what is going on. Some of us, we have reached this stage, and without the media, nobody would have heard of our name,” he added.

Reiterating the Police Service’s commitment to media freedom and safety, the IGP gave his personal assurance to members of the GJA and the broader press corps.

“We will make sure that we will protect you,” he said firmly.

The meeting formed part of ongoing engagements between the Police Administration and key stakeholders to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and secure electoral process in Akwatia.

It also underscored the Ghana Police Service’s intention to rebuild trust and strengthen collaboration with the media following past tensions.

The Akwatia by-election is expected to draw national attention, and the role of journalists in covering events fairly and safely remains a key concern for both security agencies and the media fraternity.