Journalist Slapped For Arriving Late

On 25 May 2006, Joyce Danso, a female reporter for the state-owned wire service Ghana News Agency (GNA), was slapped by Michael Gberbie, a 46-year old official of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG), for arriving late to report on their function. She was also insulted by the official.

Danso told MFWA that she had gone to the Accra International Conference Centre, the venue for the activity, to cover the graduation ceremony of newly qualified accountants, but the official would not allow her to enter the hall because he claimed the reporter was late and the hall was filled to capacity.

Danso said that, when she identified herself as a journalist from the GNA, Gberbie burst out: "You people are fond of attending programmes late. When were you asked to report? Go upstairs; there is no place for you here."

When the reporter requested a copy of the event programme, Gberbie rained insults on her: "Who are you? Stupid girl, foolish girl," he said.

"If you don't take care, I will slap you", Gberbie said, and then followed with a slap on Danso's left cheek.

Danso has since been treated and discharged from the Police Hospital in Accra.

Gberbie was later arrested but was then released on bail, pending a police inquiry.