The Tema Branch of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) has condemned the assault on a sports journalist while performing his officials duties at the Tema Sports Stadium.
The Journalist, Mr Ian Motey of the New Times Corporation was at the stadium to cover the fifth week Star Premier League between Dansoman-based Liberty Professionals and Sekondi Hasaacas when two security personnel of Liberty Professionals assaulted him.
Although Mr Motey produced his official identity card, which enabled him to enter the stadium, the Liberty Professionals security men refused him entry, insisting that he produced a stadium duty pass before he would be allowed in.
Mr Motey was then explaining to them that his identity card was enough to allow him to enter and in the process a security man identified as Mr Francis Bruce Thompson held him against the wall while his colleague rained blows on him until he was saved by onlookers.
The Journalist who received injuries on his fore head was rushed to the Tema General Hospital where he was treated and discharged.
In a statement, the Tema Branch of the GJA views this unfortunate development with serious concern, especially when the nation was recently hit with the death of 126 soccer fans at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The GJA further condemned the behaviour of some policemen on duty at the stadium that locked the gate leading to the inner perimeter, thus preventing Mr Motey from reaching his colleagues and for first aid.
The association, therefore, demand an unqualified apology from the management of Liberty Professional, adding that the club should pay all medical expenses of the journalist.
