President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the recent assault on JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony by armed military personnel during a demolition exercise at Spintex, Accra, on Wednesday, July 30.
Calony and his cameraman were on the ground covering the operation when they were attacked. According to reports, their equipment was seized, and the journalist was forcibly taken to a National Security facility known as “Blue Gate,” where he underwent interrogation after his phones were confiscated. Thanks to the intervention of the Minister for the Interior, Calony was eventually released.
The aggressive actions of the soldiers have been labeled as unacceptable by government officials, highlighting serious concerns over the treatment of journalists in the line of duty.
Addressing the swearing-in of newly appointed deputy ministers on Thursday, July 31, President Mahama expressed his outrage over the incident, categorically reaffirming his administration’s commitment to press freedom. “Allow me to condemn in the strongest terms the assault in the recent incident involving the manhandling of some journalists by our security personnel,” he stated emphatically. “Such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”
He conveyed his instructions for an immediate investigation into the incident, emphasizing that appropriate sanctions should be applied to the officers involved. As a proud card-bearing member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), President Mahama affirmed, “I will not preside over a government that abuses or intimidates journalists in the lawful exercise of their duties.”
In a bid to mend the strained relationship between the media and security forces, the President shared his plans to meet with security service leaders and the GJA to promote cooperation and understanding. “I will soon convene a meeting with the heads of security services and the leadership of GJA to plan a programme to orient our troops to recognize the media not as enemies but partners in development,” he declared.
In solidarity with Calony and a commitment to protecting journalistic rights, the GJA has also condemned the attack, issuing a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service for decisive action.
The association has warned that failure to respond adequately will result in a nationwide media blackout on police activities.
As the discussions around press freedom and the treatment of journalists intensify, this incident stands as a critical reminder of the need for respect and protection for those who seek to inform the public.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
