NPP supporter remanded for alleged assault on journalist during EOCO protest

A man identified as Theophilus Thompson, who is reportedly affiliated with the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), has been remanded into custody following his not-guilty plea to charges of assaulting journalist Latif Iddrisu from the Multimedia Group.

The alleged assault took place on the evening of May 27, 2025, at approximately 7:00 p.m., during a protest held outside the offices of the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra. The demonstration was in response to the arrest of Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, who serves as the NPP’s Ashanti Regional Chairman. Among the demonstrators were NPP supporters and some Members of Parliament.

According to a police statement released on June 8, Thompson, 55, was apprehended the previous evening—Saturday, June 7—around 5:00 p.m. in the James Town area of Accra.

During his first court appearance on Monday, June 9, Thompson denied the assault charges. His legal team requested bail, arguing that he posed no flight risk and had a known residence. They referenced Section 97(4) of Act 30, which states that denial of bail should not be used as a form of punishment.

The prosecution, however, opposed the bail application. The State Attorney argued that the investigation is ongoing and that some individuals involved in the case have yet to be arrested. She further warned that releasing the accused at this stage might hinder evidence gathering or lead to witness tampering.

In response, the defence insisted that the prosecution had failed to provide any concrete evidence to justify fears of interference.

Despite the arguments presented by the defence, the court ruled in favour of the prosecution and denied bail. Thompson has been remanded into custody, with the case adjourned to June 18, 2025.

The courtroom saw strong representation from NPP leadership, including the party’s National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye (also known as Nana B), and National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, both of whom were present to support the accused.

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