The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on the government to immediately arrest and interdict the National Security operatives involved in the recent assault and detention of JoyNews journalist, Carlos Carlony.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News on Wednesday, July 30, he welcomed the government’s statement condemning the act but described it as inadequate, insisting that mere condemnation without swift action is not enough.
“We expect the government, even though we welcome their condemnation, to immediately interdict and arrest the security officers involved and begin investigations. If, after investigations, they are not guilty, then they can be released. But what is the meaning of just issuing a directive for investigations while we sit back and watch?” he queried.
Mr. Dwumfour further indicated that the GJA would be addressing the media and the public on Thursday, July 31, to officially state its position on what he called the rising and alarming rate of attacks on journalists in Ghana.
The demand follows disturbing revelations by JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony, who recounted being assaulted and forcefully detained by National Security operatives. The incident occurred while he was covering a demolition exercise at a warehouse reportedly owned by prominent businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan.
According to Carlony, the soldiers initially questioned why he and his team were filming the exercise. Despite informing them that they were journalists reporting on the event, one of the officers allegedly assaulted him from behind just as he was preparing to go on air.
He was then bundled into a vehicle along with McDan and three others and transported to the National Security Headquarters.
In response to public outrage, the government issued a statement condemning the assault. Presidential Spokesperson and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, described the actions of the soldier involved as “utterly unacceptable.”
However, the GJA maintains that the government’s response has fallen short of expectations and insists on concrete steps to hold the officers accountable. The association says failure to take decisive action could embolden further attacks and undermine press freedom.