Ghanaian military officers assault journalists reporting demolition in Accra
Ghanaian military officers assault journalists reporting demolition in Accra
On July 30, multiple Ghanaian military officers, some identified by their National Intelligence Bureau (NIB) vests, attacked Joy News journalist Carlos Lorlornyo Atsu Calony and camera operator Jonas Zodzi Voergborlo while covering a demolition in Accra, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).
Calony reported being punched twice by one officer, resulting in severe spinal pain and intermittent blurred vision in his left eye.
The officers also threatened Voergborlo to stop filming, damaged Calony’s phone, camera, microphone, and earphones during the assault.
Following the attack, Calony was detained for approximately 45 minutes at the NIB headquarters in Accra before being released.
The incident drew condemnation from local media rights groups, including the Media Foundation for West Africa and the Ghana Journalists Association. President John Dramani Mahama has ordered a thorough investigation by state security agencies.
CPJ urged Ghanaian authorities to conduct a transparent and comprehensive inquiry and hold the perpetrators accountable. Attempts to reach Ghana’s police spokesperson for comment were unsuccessful.
The attack adds to a growing concern over repeated abuses of journalists by security forces in Ghana.
