POLICE BRUTALITY SHOCKER: OFFICER INTERDICTED AFTER BEATING JOURNALIST IN ABLEKUMA NORTH RERUN CHAOS

SOURCE : PEACEFMONLINE.COM

The Ghana Police Service has taken swift action following public outrage over a viral video capturing a police officer brutally assaulting a journalist during the ongoing election rerun in the Ablekuma North Constituency.

In the widely circulated footage, the officer is seen repeatedly hitting the reporter while bystanders looked on in shock. The incident, which has since triggered widespread condemnation from the public and media advocacy groups, occurred amidst heightened tensions at a polling station.

In response, the Ghana Police Service issued a statement confirming the officer's immediate removal from election duty. According to the statement, the officer has been interdicted and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB), the internal body responsible for investigating misconduct within the service.

"The officer concerned has been withdrawn from the ongoing election duty at Ablekuma North, and in line with internal disciplinary procedures, he has been interdicted and referred to the Police Professional Standards Bureau (PPSB) for investigation," the police statement read.

The Service further assured the public of its commitment to upholding professionalism and accountability.
"We would like to assure the public that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the matter, and further updates will be communicated," the statement concluded.

The incident has reignited discussions about police conduct during national assignments, especially in high-stakes environments like elections. Civil society organizations and journalists are calling for greater protections for media personnel and transparency in the investigation process.

The identity of the assaulted reporter and the nature of their injuries have not yet been officially released, but local media reports suggest the journalist is recovering and may pursue legal action.

This is a developing story. More updates to follow.

POLICE BRUTALITY SHOCKER: OFFICER INTERDICTED AFTER BEATING JOURNALIST IN ABLEKUMA NORTH RERUN CHAOS

 NEWS SOURCE : PEACEFMONLINE.COM 

Does the image accurately represent the headline’s message

Yes. The image shows a group of uniformed police officers in what appears to be a confrontation with civilians. The inset shows a specific officer, likely the one involved, reinforcing the report of police brutality.

What emotions does the image evoke? (Does it create urgency, sympathy or controversy?)

The image evokes urgency and controversy. Viewers may feel alarmed or disturbed by the visible confrontation involving law enforcement.

Is the image manipulated or biased? (Does it frame the story in a particular way?)

No clear signs of manipulation are visible. However, the image does frame the situation to highlight police aggression, suggesting some bias in favor of the journalist’s perspective.

How does composition affect storytelling? (Consider framing, lighting, and focus.)

The central focus on uniformed officers and the inset of the officer’s face draws attention directly to the alleged aggressor. The crowded, chaotic setting adds tension and supports the narrative of unrest.

Does the image add depth to the story or simply reinforce the headline?

It adds depth. The visual context of the confrontation makes the headline more believable and emotional, giving viewers a glimpse of the environment and tension.

Would a different image change the reader’s perception of the news? 

Yes. A calmer or more neutral image would reduce the emotional impact, possibly softening the perception of the officer’s actions.

How does the image compare to others covering the same story?

This image is more visceral and direct than generic stock photos. It provides specific visual evidence, making it stronger for storytelling than many news alternatives.

Is the image culturally or politically significant? (Does it reflect societal biases?)

Yes. It reflects ongoing public concerns about police conduct in Ghana, especially during elections. It underscores tensions between law enforcement and press freedom.

Conclusion:  The image effectively reinforces and deepens the headline’s message, provoking emotional and social response. Its rawness and composition make it a powerful visual tool in exposing alleged misconduct and sparking public discourse.

BAWUMIA DENOUNCES ABLEKUMA NORTH CHAOS, URGES CALM AND DEMOCRACY TO PREVAIL

NEWS SOURCES : PEACEFMONLINE.COM 

Does the image accurately represent the headline’s message

The image shows Bawumia speaking at a formal event, appearing calm and composed  which aligns with the "urges calm and democracy" part. However, it doesn't visually represent the “Ablekuma North chaos” or any direct connection to the incident. So while the image supports his persona as a leader calling for peace, it lacks visual context about the violence or unrest mentioned in the headline.

What emotions does the image evoke? (Does it create urgency, sympathy or controversy?)

The image evokes confidence, calm, and leadership.
His serious expression and hand gestures suggest that he is delivering a meaningful and possibly urgent message. It does not evoke controversy or sympathy, but rather reinforces authority and reassurance. If the viewer is familiar with the situation, it might bring a sense of relief or hope.

Is the image manipulated or biased? (Does it frame the story in a particular way?)

Not digitally manipulated, but it is politically framed.
The image puts Bawumia in a positive light, literally and symbolically. The background (with his face enlarged), the podium with bold messages, and his centered placement all reinforce a heroic narrative. There’s no opposing voice or chaos visible  which removes the conflict and centers the politician. So yes, it frames the story from a pro-Bawumia perspective.

How does composition affect storytelling? (Consider framing, lighting, and focus)

The image composition highlights Bawumia as a calm and authoritative figure. Centered framing, clear lighting, and sharp focus on his face and gestures emphasize his leadership and serious tone. It visually supports his call for peace and democratic order.

Does the image add depth to the story or simply reinforce the headline?

It reinforces the headline, particularly the “urges calm” and “democracy to prevail” part.
However, it does not add depth to the chaotic aspect of the story. It misses the visual tension or human impact of the unrest, which would have provided a more complete emotional experience for the viewer.

Would a different image change the reader’s perception of the news? 

Absolutely. An image showing the scene of the violence, victims, or public reaction would shift the tone toward urgency, sympathy, or even outrage. A press photo of Bawumia at the site or engaging with affected people would also increase credibility. This current image softens the issue and keeps the focus politically clean and controlled.

How does the image compare to others covering the same story?

Compared to images from crisis scenes or protest coverage, this is formal and staged. It looks more like an economic policy speech or campaign event. In contrast, a raw or field photo would capture real-time emotion and the human side of the conflict. So this image is more polished but also more distanced from the actual event.

Is the image culturally or politically significant? (Does it reflect societal biases?)

Yes. It reflects how Ghanaian political communication often relies on stage-managed events, and how leaders project calm and authority during tense moments. The use of national colors and his visible presence reinforce patriotic trust, but it also highlights a top-down approach where leadership speaks, but the people involved in the chaos are visually excluded. This has both cultural and political implications.

Closing Remarks :  While the image successfully portrays Bawumia as a calm, decisive leader   which matches part of the headline  it lacks any direct visual connection to the actual unrest in Ablekuma North. Its clean, composed nature filters out the reality of the chaos and could be seen as a strategic move to control the narrative. A more inclusive visual approach, reflecting both leadership and the on-ground reality, would offer a balanced and complete portrayal of the headline's message.

BY : SAMUEL KWESI OPOKU.