The Ghana Armed Forces has launched an investigation into reports that some military personnel allegedly assaulted a journalist and civilians in Walewale in the North East Region.
The incident is said to have occurred on Monday, January 26, involving soldiers travelling in an armoured vehicle and a truck from Bolgatanga to Tamale.
The Member of Parliament for Walewale, Abdul Kabiru Tiah Mahama, alleged that the soldiers stopped in the town around 1:00 pm and attacked the North East Regional Correspondent of Media General, Solomon Kwame Kanaluwe, along with some residents. He further claimed that properties including motorbikes and commercial vehicles were destroyed.
“The journalist was detained for over four hours, and evidence of injuries recorded on his phone was destroyed,” the MP said. He added that the incident left residents living in fear and apprehension.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, January 28, the Ghana Armed Forces acknowledged the heightened security challenges in the North East and Upper East regions. It noted that such conditions may sometimes require military operations to be carried out without prior notice and urged the public to cooperate with the armed forces and other security agencies.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Journalists Association has condemned the alleged attack and called on the Military High Command to act swiftly to restore public confidence.
