Two journalists from Jem FM, a privately-owned radio station in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were attacked by angry fans during a Ghana Premier League match on August 7, 2016.
Narrating the incident to the MFWA, Godfrey Sarpong, Director of Sports at Jem FM said the two journalists were Gomes Pageh and Emmanuel Opoku Tinkering were running a live commentary on the match between two local teams Kotoko and Dreams FC when the incident happened.
According to Sarpong, while running the commentary Pageh described a penalty awarded to Kotoko as “dubious.”
“Immediately after that comment, about six home fans came at him so he turned the phone to his colleague to continue with the commentary,” Sarpong narrated.
The fans reportedly subjected Pageh to a series of kicks, punches and slaps. He added that the mob subsequently turned on Emmanuel Opoku Tinkorang who tried to flee but slipped and fell heavily, resulting in a fractured ankle. Tinkorang was consequently rushed to the medical facility in the stadium. Both journalists had to go to the hospital the following day for further checks.
Sarpong condemned the attack on the journalists as “shameful and one that should not be repeated” but praised the leadership of Kotoko for their reaction to the incident. He revealed that the National Chairman of the club’s supporters union, Kweku Amponsah, went to the radio station on August 10, to present a letter of apology. He said the Communications Manager of Kotoko also issued a press statement condemning the attack on the journalists by their fans.
