National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has expressed confidence that firm action will be taken against security personnel involved in the recent assault of a journalist, stressing that such a response must come within 48 hours to set a strong precedent.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, July 31, Vanderpuye applauded the government for promptly condemning the incident and welcomed the Ghana Armed Forces’ (GAF) decision to initiate a probe.
“I am happy with the swift response from the government in condemning the action. The GAF have also reacted, and I am sure that within the space of 48 hours, which is permissible under our circumstances, action will be taken to act as a precedent and also restrain other over-anxious security personnel from such action,” he stated.
His comments follow disturbing revelations by JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony, who recounted being assaulted and detained by National Security operatives while covering a demolition exercise at a warehouse reportedly owned by businessman Daniel McKorley, also known as McDan.
According to Carlony, soldiers on-site questioned why he and his team were filming the operation. Despite identifying themselves as journalists, one of the officers allegedly struck him from behind just as he was preparing to go live.
The Ghana Armed Forces, in response to the incident, announced that it had begun an internal investigation following a directive from the Presidency. The probe aims to establish the facts surrounding what it described as “inappropriate conduct” by its personnel.
Vanderpuye maintained that the outcome of the investigation must not only ensure justice but also serve as a deterrent to prevent future abuse of journalists and civilians by security operatives.