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Journalist goes into hiding following assaults, threats
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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
The Commercial National Motor Riders Union (CNMRU) has dismissed claims that the government has failed commercial motorbike riders after receiving their support during the 2024 general election campaign.
The union described allegations by a group known as the Okada Riders Association (ORAG) as false and misleading, insisting that the government has taken concrete steps towards legalising and regulating commercial motorcycle operations.
In a statement issued after a press conference on August 18, the CNMRU stated that the government established a technical committee after the 2024 elections to conduct research and engage stakeholders on the regulation of Okada operations.
According to the union, it has been actively involved in the process, representing the interests of commercial motor riders across the country.
It added that a delegation of stakeholders travelled to Rwanda to study that country’s system for regulating commercial motorcycle operations.
The delegation included representatives of the CNMRU, the National Road Safety Authority, the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) and the Ministry of Transport, the statement noted.
The union further stated that the bill on the regulation of commercial motorcycle operations has been laid before Parliament and is going through the legislative process.
“This is concrete progress, and it demonstrates that the government has not abandoned the Okada riders,” the CNMRU stated.
It also said sensitisation programmes were ongoing across the country to educate riders on road safety, licensing, responsible riding and the expected legal framework for commercial motorcycle operations.
The union noted that it was working with the government and the DVLA to bring mobile licensing services closer to riders and assist them in obtaining driving licences at subsidised rates.
It also welcomed plans to establish an electric motorcycle initiative in Ghana, which it said would provide commercial riders with access to environmentally friendly motorcycles under a work-and-pay arrangement.
The CNMRU explained that it supported President John Dramani Mahama and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during the 2024 election campaign because of their commitment to address the legal and regulatory challenges facing commercial motor riders.
“We supported a commitment, and today we are witnessing concrete steps toward fulfilling that commitment,” it stated.
However, the union acknowledged that not all the challenges facing Okada riders had been resolved.
It urged commercial motor riders, the media and the public to distinguish between what it described as political propaganda and the work being undertaken to regulate the sector.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has commended The Fourth Estate for its investigative report into the attestation process, while announcing measures to improve the service and prevent the activities of middlemen.
The Ministry, in a press statement issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, acknowledged an online report published by The Fourth Estate on September 2 concerning an undercover investigation into attestation services provided by state institutions.
It praised the media organisation for its investigative work, noting that such efforts contribute to good governance, public accountability and improved service delivery.
The Ministry, however, clarified that the man implicated in the investigation is not a staff member of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the Ministry, the individual has been sanctioned by his respective institution and reported to law enforcement agencies for further investigation and possible prosecution.
It added that he has also been prohibited from entering the premises of the Ministry.
The Ministry maintained that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards middlemen and third-party facilitators who seek to profit from the acquisition of attestation documents.
It condemned the activities of what it described as unscrupulous middlemen who take advantage of vulnerable members of the public.
The Ministry explained that the attestation process involves several institutions across different arms of government, making coordination important to maintaining the integrity of the process.
It said efforts to strengthen coordination among the institutions involved had been ongoing for several months, even before The Fourth Estate’s investigation.
Attestation process to go digital
The Ministry disclosed that comprehensive reforms are underway to make the attestation process more efficient and reduce direct human interaction.
According to it, plans are being pursued to make payments for attestation services cashless, while digital platforms are also being developed to support the entire process.
The Ministry expressed confidence that the reforms would produce results similar to improvements achieved in Ghana’s passport application and administration processes.
It further reminded the public that the Parliament-approved fee for attestation is GH¢200.
The fee, it explained, is collected by officials of the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department, who issue the appropriate receipts.
The Ministry warned the public against using middlemen, stressing that engaging their services is strictly illegal.
It encouraged anyone with information, enquiries or complaints concerning the attestation process to contact the Ministry.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency, integrity and ethical standards in the delivery of its services.
By: Jacob Aggrey
