A screenshot from a video of the incident
The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has commenced investigations into the reported assault of a civilian and the attempted arrest of a JoyNews journalist, Carlos Calony, by uniformed soldiers at a demolition site near Spintex, Accra.
The Department of Public Relations of the Ghana Armed Forces confirmed that it has begun internal investigations into the conduct of the soldiers involved in the incident.
“In line with the directive from the Presidency, the Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the general public that investigations have begun into the inappropriate conduct of some soldiers during an encounter with journalists around Spintex in Accra today,” the statement noted.
Signed by Captain VA Arhin of the Ghana Navy, the release assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and those found culpable would face appropriate disciplinary action.
“The Armed Forces remain professional and will do everything possible to maintain their known high standards,” it added.
Meanwhile, the Presidency, through a statement signed by the Minister of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has condemned the incident.
The statement described the attempted arrest of the journalist and the assault on the eyewitness as “utterly unacceptable” and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom.
“I am directed by President John Dramani Mahama to unequivocally reaffirm his unwavering commitment to the freedom and safety of journalists,” the statement read.
“A free and unfettered press is a cornerstone of our democracy, essential for accountability, transparency, and informed public discourse.”
President Mahama has instructed the Minister of Defence and the National Security Coordinator to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are disciplined accordingly.
The Presidency emphasised that appropriate punitive measures must be implemented swiftly to uphold democratic principles and prevent future misconduct.
The incident occurred when Calony was covering the demolition of a warehouse reportedly owned by prominent businessman, Dr Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan.
Armed individuals believed to be operatives of the National Security stormed the location and confronted the journalist, questioning his presence and his right to report from the site.
The situation escalated when Calony began interviewing a civilian eyewitness. A soldier in military uniform began whipping the civilian, with several other uniformed men joining in the assault.
The journalist and his cameraman were ordered to stop recording the incident. Despite his protests and insistence on his right to report, Calony was reportedly detained and taken to the National Security’s Blue Gate facility in Accra.
The cameraman, who narrated the incident to JoyNews, said the officers accused Calony of filming them without permission.
“They have taken Carlos because they said they suspect he filmed them when they came. So, they seized his phone and took him to National Security,” he said.
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