At least two persons have been arrested in connection with the attack on Abubakari Sadiq Gariba, a presenter with Tamale-based Dagbon FM.
The arrest comes barely a week after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) George Akuffo-Dampare gave the assurance that the perpetrators will be arrested.
A statement issued by the police on Monday (8 May), said the suspects are assisting the police with investigations and will soon be processed for court.
“The police have today, 8 May 2023, arrested the two people who allegedly attacked Abubakari Sadiq, a presenter with the Dagbon Radio station in Tamale, while he was hosting a programme at the station on 3 May, 2023.
“Following the attack, the police visited the scene but the suspects had bolted. A video footage of the incident was obtained to aid the investigation,” the statement said.
“The suspects, Iddrisu Hardi alias Pagaaza and Mumuni Osman are in custody assisting investigation and will be put before court,” the police said.
Below is the full statement:
Condemnation
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the alleged attack on Sadiq Gariba.
Reports say Gariba was assaulted on live radio by a former Northern regional communications officer of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), Hardi Pagazaa and another man on Wednesday (3 May).
“We unreservedly condemn this primitive act,” the GJA said in a statement released on Thursday. “This cowardly act must not have a space in this modern day and age.”
The GJA said it has reported the case to the police “to ensure justice for Sidiq Abubakari Gariba.”
“We call on all media houses in the region to henceforth cease entertaining Hardi Pagazaa on their networks.
“We wish to assure all journalists in the region that the GJA is solidly behind them in the performance of their duties, and will always go to any lengths to defend them,” the statement added.
“We are not in a lawless state where anyone, who feels offended, can take the laws into his or her hands. We, once again, urge the public to resort to appropriate procedures to seek remedy regarding media publications concerning them.”
Government reacts
Meanwhile, the government has also condemned the act and “urges the Ghana police and relevant agencies to investigate and prosecute the perpetrators.”
A statement issued by the Information Ministry said “attacks on journalists should not be countenanced.”
“Severe and speedy response from law enforcement agencies is necessary to prevent copy-cat acts and maintain Ghana’s status in upholding press freedom,” the statement said.
Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, the Information Minister, has had a phone conversation with the journalist and has “offered the support of the ministry if he will require any,” the statement added.
Reporting by Fred Dzakpata in Accra
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