Presidency seeks disciplinary action, inquiry into JoyNews reporter incident and civilian attack

Presidency seeks disciplinary action, inquiry into JoyNews reporter incident and civilian attack

By: Nii Ammui Fio | 4 mins read

The Office of the President has directed Ghana’s Minister for Defence and the National Security Coordinator to launch an immediate investigation into an incident involving the attempted arrest of JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony and the alleged assault of a civilian eyewitness by a soldier.

The altercation occurred at a demolition site along Spintex Road in Accra.

In a statement dated July 30, President John Dramani Mahama emphasized the need for prompt and firm disciplinary action.

“The appropriate disciplinary and punitive measures must be applied without delay to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences,” the statement read.

The Presidency described the incident as wholly inconsistent with the values of the current administration and Ghana’s democratic framework.

“These actions are utterly unacceptable to the John Mahama administration and have no place in the country's democratic society,” it added.

Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, relayed the President’s position and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to press freedom.

“I have been directed by President John Dramani Mahama to unequivocally reaffirm his unwavering commitment to the freedom and safety of journalists,” he said.

“A free and unfettered press is a cornerstone of our democracy, essential for accountability, transparency, and informed public discourse. Government also reiterates our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Ghanaian citizens, whose rights must always be protected,” he continued.

Eyewitness Account of the Incident

Journalist Carlos Calony had gone to the site to report on the demolition of a warehouse owned by prominent businessman Daniel McKorley, Executive Chairman of the McDan Group. The warehouse was reportedly demolished by state security operatives the night before.

Carlos was conducting an interview with an eyewitness when soldiers reportedly stormed the premises.

“There was no confrontation at all. We were actually filming when they came in and assaulted me… We got there before the military arrived and I was speaking to an eyewitness who had witnessed the demolition,” Carlos recalled.

He said the team was told to stop filming, and while complying, he was physically assaulted by a soldier.

“Around that time, we were to go on air, so I was speaking to my producer. And in the process… another military man from behind said it seemed I was filming and so he punched me from behind, two direct blows to my neck. At that point, I lost control and almost fell down.”

Carlos was subsequently detained along with Daniel McKorley and three others and transported to the National Security Headquarters.

“They now said I would be arrested, and they pushed me into the vehicle together with the Group CEO of McDan and three others,” he said.

He reported being held for about 45 minutes during which his phone was confiscated and searched.

“They came in, monitored the room, and asked me questions. I told them I was from JoyNews. At this point, they had taken our phones and went through them. They asked me to write a statement, and I told them I had to hear from my bosses before we take it from there.”

Media Group Issues Strong Condemnation

Multimedia Group, owners of JoyNews, issued a strong statement denouncing the assault, calling it an attack on press freedom and democratic rights.

“This is not only an attack on two of our journalists but also a blatant affront to media freedom, the right to information, and the constitutional guarantee of free expression in Ghana. Journalists must be allowed to work freely and safely. We will not relent in our duty to inform the Ghanaian people.”

The media house has called for a transparent investigation and disciplinary action against all personnel involved.

A Pattern of Growing Concern

The incident is the latest in a troubling pattern of attacks against journalists in Ghana. In July, a female JoyNews reporter was slapped by an unidentified individual while covering the Ablekuma North parliamentary by-election at the Odorkor Methodist polling station.

Earlier in May, reporter Latif Iddrisu was assaulted during a protest at the EOCO offices in Accra following the arrest of NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman, Bernard Antwi Boasiako (popularly known as Chairman Wontumi).

“I have been assaulted by these individuals on live television,” Latif said during a live broadcast.

In another high-profile case, 55-year-old Theophilus Thompson was arrested for allegedly assaulting a journalist and threatening to kill him. Despite pleading not guilty, he has been remanded in custody. His arrest drew public support from NPP leaders, including National Organiser Henry Nana Boakye and Youth Organiser Salam Mustapha.

GJA Urges Swift Justice

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the rising trend of attacks on journalists and urged law enforcement to respond swiftly and decisively.

GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said the assaults have contributed to Ghana’s slide on the World Press Freedom Index.

He emphasized that reversing this trend would require collaboration across all arms of government and civil society.

“We call on the Executive, Legislature, Judiciary, and civil society organizations to come together and protect media practitioners and uphold the values of our democracy.”