55-year-old Theophilus Thompson, who was arrested for the recent attack on JoyNews journalist Latif Iddrisu, has been remanded in custody after being denied bail.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) member received support from party leadership, including the National Organiser, Henry Nana Boakye (Nana B), and National Youth Organiser, Salam Mustapha, in court today.

The defence attorney requested a bail application, but the state prosecutor, citing an active investigation and a large number of suspects currently at large, opposed the application.

Thompson pleaded not guilty to the charges of assault and threat of death.

The incident that got Thompson arrested occurred on the evening of May 27, around 7:00 p.m., during a protest outside the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO) in Accra.

The demonstration, sparked by the arrest of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)'s Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako—popularly known as Chairman Wontumi—drew participation from party loyalists and some Members of Parliament.

Latif Iddrisu, who was on duty covering the protest, was engaging supporters of the NPP who had massed up at the EOCO premises demanding Wontumi’s release when he was struck at the back of his head by a male supporter.

"I have been assaulted by these individuals on live television," the visibly frustrated journalist stated during his broadcast.

In a statement issued on Sunday, June 8, the police announced that Thompson was arrested on Saturday, June 7, at about 5:00 p.m. in Jamestown. He is currently in police custody and assisting with ongoing investigations.

The police have also assured the public of their commitment to identifying and apprehending other individuals involved in the assault.

The Accra Regional Police Command reaffirmed its dedication to safeguarding the rights of journalists and ensuring accountability for acts of violence against members of the media and the general public.

The court case has been adjourned to 18 June 2025.

This recent attack that has been downplayed by a section of the general public follows several others that have had an adverse impact on the lives of the victims.

"Massa this is just a tap on the head .. stop being a drama queen," an X user wrote in reaction to the assault against Latif Iddrisu.

Amid the surging attacks against journalists, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged the Ghana Police Service to take swift action in arresting and prosecuting individuals who attack media practitioners.

Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour emphasized the need to defend media freedom and address the alarming rate of attacks on journalists.

He noted that these attacks have been a major drawback to Ghana's World Press Freedom Index in recent years, but the GJA is poised to reset this narrative.

The GJA has called on all stakeholders, including the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and civil society organizations, to help address the issue of attacks on media practitioners.