MFWA condemns assault on JoyNews' Latif Iddrisu

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) condemned the assault on JoyNews journalist Latif Iddrisu. He was attacked while covering the detention of NPP Chairman Bernard Antwi-Boasiako, known as Chairman Wontumi. This incident took place at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) headquarters.

MFWA is calling for immediate action against NPP supporters and security officers involved in the assault. They also demand accountability for seizing Iddrisu's phone and deleting his footage.

"The MFWA joins JoyNews in demanding a swift investigation and prosecution," they stated. They urged EOCO’s Executive Director, Raymond Archer, to investigate the agents' conduct at the scene.

"This attack violates journalist rights and threatens press freedom," MFWA added. The incident occurred on May 27, 2025, during a protest outside EOCO in Accra.

Iddrisu was reporting live when security personnel seized his phone. They forced him to delete video footage he had captured. Later, NPP supporters attacked him for his coverage of the protest.

JoyNews reported that Iddrisu was heckled, shoved, and physically assaulted. He was struck on the head with weapons like stones and rubber bands during the attack. Despite this, he continued updating viewers about the assaults on-air.

One protester asked to be interviewed but used it to deny the assault instead. He accused Iddrisu of misreporting despite clear video evidence showing otherwise.

NPP's National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, later apologized on behalf of party supporters. However, he insisted that Iddrisu should report actions by security officers who deleted footage—something already included in his coverage.

JoyNews has filed an official complaint with police for a swift investigation and prosecution of those responsible. While they welcomed NPP’s apology, they stressed the need for full cooperation with law enforcement to ensure accountability.