Member of Parliament for Ketu North, Eric Edem Agbana has criticised the handling of recent arrests involving journalists, calling for greater professionalism and transparency from the police service.
His concerns follow the detention of Dklassgh.com editor, Sammy Amedetor, who was picked up at dawn and remains in custody.
Agbana said the current situation highlights lapses that could damage the government’s image if not addressed urgently.
“It should not take an intel or an inquiry from Manasseh Azure Awuni for us to know the circumstances surrounding the arrest of a journalist or blogger,” he said, warning that “the overzealousness, unprofessionalism and incompetence of some security officers can cast a shadow over this government.”
Detailing his own encounter with the police earlier in the day, the MP stated, “This morning, I had an altercation with the Volta Regional Police Commander over his UNPROFESSIONAL handling of an issue in my constituency.
The IGP must be told to handle these issues properly.” He added that political comfort will not stop him from speaking out.
“Some of us will never be so comfortable and blinded by power as to assume that all of a sudden, ALL these police officers are acting in the national interest.”
Agbana insisted that communication must be swift whenever journalists are arrested.
“If you arrest a journalist, issue a statement and let the public know what is happening,” he said, stressing that the President “is a friend to the media and we must never allow someone’s incompetence give him a bad name.”
His remarks follow mounting public concern over the arrest of Amedetor, who was reportedly picked at 3am from his home, handcuffed, and taken to the National Signals Bureau.
According to accounts from colleagues, questioning centred on “who gave him the video he published,” which he later deleted.
After being released the same evening and instructed to return on Tuesday, he has since been held at the Ministry of Police station.
Information emerging from investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni sheds more light on the case. According to him, the matter is now under the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), not the Signals Bureau.
He said the NSB only assisted with tracking and arresting the blogger. They also claim the journalist is not being held solely for reposting a segment of Anas Aremeyaw Anas’ Number 12 documentary.
He is alleged to have used AI to create videos with real people’s images, with several reported victims, including former NCA Board Chairman Isaac Osei-Bonsu. The CID is expected to issue a formal statement on the case.
Agbana maintains that security agencies must prioritise clarity and professionalism. “Don’t wait for people to blame the President and the government before you speak,” he said, urging the police hierarchy to address public concerns promptly.
