The Management of Tobinco Media Group (TMG) has condemned the alleged assault of three Bullet TV journalists by private security operatives at Laboma Beach in Accra.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, September 15, 2026, while Philip Abutiate, Ohenenana Ofori Amanfo and cameraman Bernard Gyamfi were covering the aftermath of a demolition exercise at the beach.
According to TMG, the journalists were initially informed by security personnel at the site that media personnel were not allowed entry.
The team subsequently moved to the public Accra-bound side of the road to continue recording.
The media group said two private security operatives later approached the journalists and physically assaulted Abutiate.
According to his account, the journalist was shoved, had his microphone seized and smashed on the ground, and was grabbed by the neck.
The assailants also allegedly attempted to take his phone and pulled at exposed underground cables.
TMG further alleged that the security operatives pushed cameraman Bernard Gyamfi onto the road, potentially exposing him to the risk of being hit by a vehicle.
The media group described the incident as traumatic and said Abutiate has since received medical care and psychological support.
TMG said it is petitioning the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission (NMC) to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
The group also said it will petition the Ministry of the Interior to investigate the legality and conduct of the private security personnel involved.
TMG further demanded answers from the La Dade-Kotopon Municipal Assembly (LaDMA) over the role of private security personnel at the site.
It questioned why private security operatives were allegedly allowed to control access to a property undergoing a government-sanctioned demolition exercise within the protected buffer zone of the Kpeshie Lagoon.
The media group called on LaDMA to clarify its role in the incident and provide assurances that state-sanctioned operations would not result in journalists or members of the public being subjected to intimidation or violence.
TMG said it remains committed to supporting its journalists and other media practitioners working to inform the public.
Ghana|Atinkaonline.com|Mavis Fantevi
