Soldier attacks Journalist

Tarkwa (W/R), Feb. 4, GNA - A soldier deployed by Iduapriem Mine of AngloGold Ashanti, a multi-national gold mining company, on Thursday hit a Journalists with the butt of his gun and seized his mobile phone from him.

The soldier manhandled Mr Jerry Mensah, a reporter from Dynamite FM, a local FM Station, when he went to cover a clash between the people of Teberebie, a farming community affected by mining in the Western Region, and security personnel deployed by Iduapriem Mine of AngloGold Ashanti.

Mr Mensah said the soldier asked him to surrender his mobile phone, when he went to the scene to cover the event, but he refused. The soldier then hit him with the butt of his gun and collected the phone from him.

Briefing the Press on Friday afternoon after a Wassa West District Security Council (DISEC) meeting, Chief Superintendent Daniel Sapart Sampana, Tarkwa Divisional Commander of Police, expressed regret about the incident and advised Journalists not to expose themselves to risk in the course of their duties.

He said Journalists must identify themselves to the security on occasions like this one.

One person on Thursday sustained gunshot wounds during a clash between the people of Teberebie and security personnel deployed by Iduapriem Mine of AngloGold Ashanti.

Anthony Baidoo, a farmer, was shot in the upper thigh and was rushed to the Effia-Nwanta Hospital, Takoradi, after receiving first aid at Anglogold Ashanti, Iduapriem Mine (AAIM) Clinic. Four others, who sustained injuries in the course of the clash, were treated at the same clinic and discharged.