PHOTO: Journalist Receive Slaps At 56 Independence Anniversary Parade

Two journalists accredited to cover the country's 56th Independence Anniversary Parade in Accra Wednesday were manhandled by some security personnel. A Ghanaian Times photographer, Vincent Dzatse received slaps from a security man. Meanwhile a Daily Graphic photographer, Nii Martey Botwe also had his penis subjected to electric shock because he attempted to take photographs of President John Mahama who was exchanging pleasantries with chiefs and leaders of political parties at the parade ground. The Ghanaian Times photographer, who is also the presidential photographer, said he was slapped several times by a military policeman. His colleague from the Graphic also said he was dragged and pushed around by the other security men. Some accredited senior journalists who covered proceedings from the Independence Arch side of the square also reported being insulted by some of the military personnel on duty. Dumbfounded, Mr Dzatse said: �Although I have travelled around the world covering international assignments, I have never witnessed such humiliation and beatings before�. He said he will be surprised if the military high command fails to investigate the matter and discipline those involved whose behavior marred the beauty of the event.