The Western regional correspondent for Joy News, Natalia Quansah, endured a traumatic experience while covering the election at the Essikado-Ketan constituency in the Western region.
She faced threats from a group of voters after filming them destroying ballot papers being transported to the collation centre.
Recalling the incident Natalia said: “I was threatened by some individuals who were tearing up ballot papers meant for the collation centre. They took issue with me recording their actions, forcing me to report the incident to the police commander present. Eventually, the police had to escort me and other journalists to safety.”
She said the threats continued with the group directly targeting her life.
“It was terrifying to have someone look me in the eye and say, ‘We’re going to cut off your head and leave your lifeless body here. Nobody can do anything about it. We know you’re a Joy News reporter, and if this coverage goes out, you won’t leave here alive,’” she recounted.
“At one point, I was in tears. My colleagues saw the threats directed at me, and it was traumatic for everyone. We had to make our way down from the church building, weaving through ballot boxes that had been packed and went straight to the police for help.”
What made it worse was remembering how chaotic they were four years ago and seeing them today, beating security officers, tearing the clothes of fire service personnel, and even ripping up pink sheets at the collation centre.”
Thanks to the swift intervention of the police, Natalia and her colleagues were safely escorted home, but the traumatic incident has left a lasting impression.
Authorities are yet to confirm if any arrests have been made in connection with the threats and destruction of election materials.