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Journalist goes into hiding following assaults, threats
Multiple award winning Multimedia journalist Latif Iddrisu has gone into hiding even as investigators at the Greater Accra regional police command make efforts to unmask faces behind a threatening text message sent to the journalist.
A reliable source close to the journalist has told the Ghanaian Times that an unknown person believed to be among the wanted supporters of the opposition NPP who assaulted Latif at the headquarters of EOCO in May this year, have doubled down by sending him a threatening message ordering him to discontinue his corporation with the police regarding the physical assault and threats at him, and the subsequent police complaint he filed.
A screenshot of the text message which has been cited by the Ghanaian Times reads, “Hey Latif, withdraw the matter from the police or we will cut you and your kids”. The anonymous person ends the message with caution, urging the journalist not to disobey his orders by doing anything contrary. “Don’t act tough man” it ends.
Deep throat source told the Times that a request for security protection for the journalist following the physical assaults and threats by the supporters of the opposition New Patriotic party, has not received any tangible response from the police administration.
The supporters who massed up at EOCO to support the Ashanti regional chairman of the NPP, Antwi Boasiako who was detained and interrogated at the organized crime office, assaulted and threatened the journalist that
“We know where you are coming from and we know what we can do”.
Another person also threatened the journalist with words like, “today is your last day”.
The deputy national organizer of the New Patriotic party, Lloyd Nii Kwei who allegedly confronted and interjected Latif’s live reporting before, during, and after he was physically assaulted, later that evening described the journalist as a “dangerous character” and vowed to blacklist him from programs organized by the New Patriotic party.
“I will make sure he does not attend any of our (NPP) programs again”. The deputy national organizer of the NPP also attempted to gaslight Latif when he reported the assault that was captured on live TV. When the journalist reported it the moment the assault took place, the deputy national organizer of the New Patriotic party asked the journalist “who assaulted you?”, in an attempt to discredit the victim and his report as false.
The journalist and his family have been living in fear since the dastardly act of assault and threats of death, forcing him to flee from his house.
Sources close to the journalist told the Times that for personal safety and security reasons, Latif, who is also founder of Journalists Sanctuary International, an organization that champions advocacy for press freedom and safety of journalist, has gone into hiding because of the threat and suspicious maneuvering at the Accra Circuit Court by sympathizers of Theophilus Thompson, one of the suspects who has been arrested and is currently undergoing trial.
He is currently being housed in a shelter by the Whistleblowers and Journalist Safety International Center, an organization founded by the renowned multiple award winning undercover investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, to provide protection and preservation for whistleblowers and journalists who face danger and threats in line of duty.
Sources at the Greater Accra regional command of the Ghana Police service say it is waiting for a court order to compel a telecommunication company in Ghana to unveil the identity of the person who sent the threatening message.
If granted, the court order will play a central role in identifying the person who sent the intimidating text message to the journalist.
BY MALIK SULLEMANA
News
Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
