Accra: An Accra Circuit Court has remanded Theophilus Kpakpo Thompson, a trader, for allegedly assaulting and threatening a Joynews reporter, Latif Iddrisu. Mr Iddrisu was assaulted while covering a protest by members of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) following the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, also known as Chairman Wontumi, at the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO).

According to Ghana News Agency, Thompson, 55, has been charged with assault and threat of death, to which he pleaded not guilty. The court, presided over by Mr Kwabena K. Obiri Yeboah, has instructed the prosecution to file its disclosure within 10 days, with the case adjourned to June 18, 2025. The defense counsel for Thompson, Mr Enoch Afoakwa, requested bail for his client, but this was denied by the court.

Chief Inspector Olivia Ofori-Atta, leading the prosecution, informed the court that the complainant, Mr Iddrisu, is a journalist with Joynews of the Multimedia Group Limited. The accused is identified as a sympathizer of the NPP. The incident took place on May 27, 2025, after EOCO arrested Chairman Wontumi, prompting several party supporters, including Thompson, to gather in protest.

During the protest at around 1900 hours, Mr Iddrisu was on duty for a live broadcast when he was attacked by party supporters, including the accused. They hit him on the head and ribs, accusing him of spreading false information. Some supporters also hurled stones and spat at him, while the accused and others threatened him, saying, “Today is your last day, we know where you are coming from, and we know what we can do.”

The complainant reported the incident to the police and was given a medical report form for hospital treatment. The medical report confirmed that Mr Iddrisu had been assaulted. Video footage reviewed by the prosecution identified Thompson and others as the perpetrators of the assault and threats.

On June 7, 2025, in his caution statement, Thompson admitted to being present at the scene and hitting the complainant. Efforts are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices as investigations continue, the prosecution stated.