Mr Joseph Akrofi Ocansey, a freelance journalist based in Sege, has lodged a complaint at the Ada Divisional Police Command, alleging that Mr Daniel Keshi Bessey, the Sege Member of Parliament (MP), subjected him to threats and verbal abuse.
Mr Ocansey told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) that the decision to seek police intervention was taken out of concern for his personal safety, after a phone conversation that followed his questioning of claims that about ten security protocol slots had been allocated to the constituency.
The journalist said, the confrontation occurred after he made a social media post seeking clarification on the alleged security slots, which he described as a matter of public interest.
He said the phone discussion initially involved local officials of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), identified as Mr Freeman Edjeodji, a communications officer, and Mr Prosper Akortia, the constituency youth organiser.
Mr Ocansey alleged that during the call, the MP joined the conversation without his prior knowledge and verbally abused him.
An audio recording of the exchange, obtained by the media, captures a conversation that quickly escalates.
In the recording, the MP was heard using sexually degrading and demeaning language, alongside statements which the journalist interpreted as direct threats to his life and that of his family.
The two-party officials were also heard berating the journalist and questioning his professionalism.
“These words were spoken angrily and forcefully,” Mr Ocansey said, adding that, “After that encounter, I began to fear for my safety and could no longer move freely.”
He said the audio recording and other relevant details had been submitted to the Ada Divisional Police Command to assist in ongoing investigations.
Mr Ocansey explained that he resorted to the police after feeling unsafe and traumatised by the encounter.
“If anything happens to me, this incident represents the last serious confrontation I had,” he said.
The development has renewed concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists, particularly freelancers working in local communities.
Media rights groups have cautioned that intimidation of journalists by political actors undermines accountability and democratic governance.
Some residents of Sege, Ada and surrounding communities have since called on state authorities, including the Presidency, Parliament and security agencies, to ensure the safety of the journalist and thoroughly investigate the matter.
Meanwhile, Mr Daniel Keshi Bessey and the party officials named are yet to respond to a confirmation request from the GNA.
Police at the Ada Divisional Command have however confirmed receipt of a complaint from the journalist and indicated that investigations were underway.
