By Alex Boye
The Chief of the Kwahu-Tafo Traditional Area in the Kwahu East Municipality of the Eastern Region, Nana Kwasi Opoku Mintah II, is reportedly facing charges at the Ghana Police Service Headquarters in Accra over an alleged attack on journalist Michael Danku.
The incident, which reportedly occurred in March this year, is said to have involved a group allegedly associated with the chief, who is accused of pursuing and attacking the journalist while he was carrying out his professional duties.
According to information available to this media house, the chief was subsequently granted bail following his arrest in connection with the alleged incident likewise some of the vigilantes who were instructed by Nana Opoku Minta II to carry the attack
Sources familiar with the matter further allege that the chief admitted to sending members of the group after the journalist. However, the circumstances surrounding the alleged admission and the precise facts of the case remain subject to police investigation and any subsequent court proceedings.
The alleged attack has generated concern among residents and stakeholders, particularly because the victim was reportedly performing his duties as a journalist at the time of the incident.
The journalist is said to have sustained injuries during the alleged attack and subsequently received medical treatment.
According to information attributed to investigators at the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) of the Ghana Police Service Headquarters, medical documentation relating to the journalist’s treatment is reportedly no longer available on the police docket.
The circumstances surrounding the reported disappearance of the medical report are unclear and would require proper investigation and clarification by the relevant authorities.
Medical evidence, where available, could be important to the investigation in establishing the nature and extent of the injuries allegedly sustained by the journalist.
The CID at the Police Headquarters is reportedly continuing investigations into the matter and is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack and determine whether sufficient evidence exists for prosecution.
Under Ghana’s Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), assaultive conduct may constitute a criminal offence depending on the circumstances and evidence established. The appropriate authorities are therefore expected to determine whether the facts disclosed by the investigation meet the requirements of any particular offence.
The case also touches on the constitutional protection of media freedom in Ghana. Article 162(1) of the 1992 Constitution provides that the freedom and independence of the media are guaranteed.
Journalists performing legitimate professional duties are therefore entitled to operate without unlawful intimidation, assault or interference.
The development has reportedly created tension within the Kwahu-Tafo Traditional Area, with some residents and other concerned persons calling for accountability and, in some instances, questioning whether the chief’s conduct is consistent with the responsibilities expected of a traditional leader.
Any demand for the removal or deposition of a chief, however, must be pursued through the appropriate customary and statutory procedures under Ghana’s chieftaincy laws and cannot be determined solely by public allegations.
The Chieftaincy Act, 2008 (Act 759) provides a legal framework governing chieftaincy matters, including procedures relating to the status and deposition of chiefs.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has reportedly condemned the alleged attack and called for justice for Michael Danku.
The Association has also called on the President and the Inspector-General of Police to take steps to ensure the safety and protection of journalists across the country.
The call comes amid growing concerns over the safety of media practitioners who are required to undertake their professional responsibilities in sometimes difficult and potentially hostile environments.
The incident has once again raised questions about accountability and the rule of law.
Whether a person is a traditional leader, public official or an ordinary citizen, allegations of criminal conduct should be investigated without fear or favour.
At the same time, the principle of presumption of innocence must be respected. The allegations against Nana Kwasi Opoku Mintah II remain allegations unless and until established by the appropriate judicial process.
If the investigations establish that an offence has been committed and identify those responsible, the law should be allowed to take its course.
Conversely, if the evidence does not support the allegations, the accused should be given the full benefit of the law.
Efforts by this media house to contact Nana Kwasi Opoku Mintah II to obtain his side of the story have so far proved unsuccessful.
This publication remains open to publishing the chief’s response, clarification or any other relevant information concerning the allegations.
The expectation is that the ongoing police investigation will establish the facts and that any subsequent legal proceedings will be conducted fairly, transparently and in accordance with the laws of Ghana.