Concerns about the safety of journalists in Ghana have resurfaced following a troubling encounter involving Good Evening Ghana host Paul Adom-Otchere at the Kumasi International Airport.
Over the weekend, the prominent broadcaster found himself the target of unexpected verbal threats and aggression in what many see as a reflection of growing political intolerance.
Narrating the incident on his Metro TV program, Paul disclosed that he was en route to Accra from a funeral in the Bono Region, stopping at the Kumasi International Airport, also known as Prempeh I Terminal, to catch a flight with Africa World Airlines.
According to him, while waiting, he struck up a casual political conversation with a senior Member of Parliament and a well-known NDC appointee.
Paul said midway through their discussion, a man entered the room, greeted the officials, and suddenly turned his attention to him.
He claimed that without provocation, the man pointed at him and declared, “As for this guy, we should beat him.”
According to Paul, who clearly got shocked by the man’s action, asked, “Who are you going to beat? Beat for what?”
He said rather than backing down, the man intensified his threats, reportedly shouting, “You think that… who do you think you are? If this is Nigeria, NDC is in power and you are still on TV… you’re a foolish boy. We will beat you.”
Paul described the confrontation as deeply unsettling, especially given that it occurred in a public facility with security presence.
He later revealed that, while the man was unknown to him at the time, he has since learned of his identity.
The incident has sparked renewed debate about the hostile environment faced by media practitioners in Ghana, with many calling for greater protection of journalists and an end to politically motivated intimidation.
