Police punch ‘Free Press’ reporter

Some law enforcement agents are beginning to exceed their limits in relation to the protection of individual rights and freedoms. Due to the chaotic primaries recently organized by the New Patriotic Party (NPP), it has become a norm for policemen, who are called to such scenes, to appear without the required identification number badges.

A Free Press reporter, who happens to be the son of the late Tommy Thompson, Kpakpo Thompson, last Sunday had the shock of his life when he had to face the indiscipline of some policemen.

A police officer on duty during the Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency primary of the NPP punched and slapped him when he attempted to enter the election grounds to cover the primary.

Mr. Thompson, who came late, was not allowed to enter the election grounds despite presenting a press identity card to the police.

Narrating his ordeal to The Chronicle, he said, “They asked me for my ID card and I provided it but they still would not allow me to go in.”

He added that in an attempt to enter, “I was met with a blow and a slap on the face.”

This unfortunate incident unfolded in the presence of some commissioned police officers, nevertheless, they made no attempt to apologise to the reporter.

Meanwhile several journalists from other media houses including the Daily Graphic, The Network Herald, and The Statesman, were also refused entry into the grounds.