The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) has lauded the Ghana Police Service for the arrest of Theophilus Thompson in connection with the violent assault on JoyNews journalist, Latif Iddrisu.
The assault occurred during a protest at the offices of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) on May 27, 2025, by the Minority in Parliament along with some members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) over the arrest and detention of the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the party, Mr. Bernard Antwi Boasiak popularly called Chairman Wontumi.
The Network described the arrest, announced over the weekend by the Greater Accra Regional Police Command, as a positive step towards restoring confidence in media protection and the rule of law.
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In a press statement issued on June 8, 2025, and signed by its President, Rev. Kofi Asante Mensah, the UPDN stated: “We commend the Greater Accra Regional Police Commander and his team for this swift and commendable action. The arrest marks an important step in upholding press freedom, deterring impunity, and restoring public confidence in the protection of journalists within our democracy.”
While commending the security services, the organization warned against complacency, insisting that the arrest must not mark the end of the process.
“We call for a comprehensive and transparent investigation to ensure that all individuals involved in the assault—both direct perpetrators and possible collaborators—are swiftly identified, arrested, and prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the statement emphasized.
Mr. Iddrisu, a well-known journalist with JoyNews, was reportedly covering the protest when he was allegedly attacked by multiple individuals. The incident, which was captured on camera, sparked outrage across media circles and among civil society groups.
UPDN stressed the vital role of journalists in democratic governance and called the assault a stark reminder of the threats media professionals continue to face in the line of duty.
“Any attack on a journalist is an attack on the freedom of expression and the public’s right to know,” the network reiterated.
Expressing solidarity with Latif Iddrisu and the wider multimedia team, the UPDN vowed to follow the case closely and advocate for meaningful justice.
The organization urged the Police Service to intensify efforts to ensure the safety of journalists across the country, especially during public demonstrations and politically charged events.
“We call on political parties, their supporters, and the general public to respect the essential role of the media in a free and democratic society,” the group added.
The United Press for Development Network (UPDN) is a pan-African organization committed to press freedom, media development, and sustainable governance. It engages in advocacy, capacity building, and networking to empower journalists and promote accountability and transparency in governance.