The Ministry of National Security says it takes with all seriousness claims made by Citi FM journalist Caleb Kudah that he was manhandled during interrogation on Tuesday, May 11.
“The Ministry has therefore initiated investigations into the said allegations,” the Ministry said in a statement issued on Thursday, May 13 by Chief Director Lieutenant Colonel (rtd) Ababio Serebour.
Caleb Kudah was arrested on Tuesday while filming within the National Security premises.
According to his editor, Bernard Avle, he was filming some abandoned vehicles parked close to the National Security offices.
Mr Kudah himself, narrating the incident on Citi FM on Wednesday, May 12 after he was released from detention, said he was shoved and even slapped by the operatives.
“I was trying to appeal to [the National Security operatives] that they had beaten me enough, but they were just slapping me from the back. I’ll be talking to another one and someone will just come and slap me from the back.”
But Lt. Col. Serebour’s statement stressed: “The Ministry, therefore, takes with all seriousness, the allegations of manhandling of the two journalists during the interrogation.”
Apparently, Mr Kudah is said to have transferred the shots he took to colleague Zoe Abu Baidoo, who was also arrested same day at the premises of Citi FM in an operation many have condemned.
“The Ministry of National Security wishes to assure the public that appropriate actions shall be taken if the allegations are found to be true,” the statement assured.
But it also explained that Mr Kudah was filming within the precincts of a National Security installation contrary to the ‘No Photography’ rules.
“Upon interrogation, it was revealed that Mr Kudah had gained access to the premises under false pretense.”
The Ministry said it upholds ethics and professional standards in operational duties and will, at all times, protect the rights and freedoms of the citizenry.
By Emmanuel Kwame Amoh|3news.com|Ghana