Ghana Armed Forces Investigates Assault on Journalist, Promises Disciplinary Action

The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has launched an investigation into the reported assault of a civilian and the attempted arrest of a JoyNews journalist, Carlos Calony, by uniformed soldiers at a demolition site in Accra. The incident, which occurred on July 31, 2025, has been condemned by the Presidency, which has reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom and promised swift action against those responsible. The investigation, led by the Department of Public Relations of the GAF, aims to determine the facts surrounding the incident and take disciplinary action against those found culpable.

Key Takeaways:

• The Ghana Armed Forces has commenced internal investigations into the conduct of the soldiers involved in the incident, which were directed by the Presidency.
• The incident occurred on July 31, 2025, at a demolition site in Accra, where a civilian was assaulted and a journalist was detained by uniformed soldiers.
• The journalist, Carlos Calony, was reporting on the demolition of a warehouse owned by prominent businessman Dr. Daniel McKorley, also known as McDan.
• The uniformed soldiers attempted to arrest the journalist and detained him, accusing him of filming them without permission.
• President John Dramani Mahama has instructed the Minister of Defence and the National Security Coordinator to investigate the matter and ensure that those responsible are disciplined accordingly.
• The incident has been condemned by the Presidency, which has reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom and democratic principles.

Statistics:

• 1: The number of investigations launched by the Ghana Armed Forces into the conduct of the soldiers involved in the incident.
• 31 July 2025: The date of the incident.
• 1: The number of journalists detained by the uniformed soldiers.
• 1: The number of civilians assaulted by the uniformed soldiers.

Sources:

• Ghana Presidency, statement signed by Minister of Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, July 31, 2025
• Ghana Armed Forces, statement signed by Captain VA Arhin, Department of Public Relations, July 31, 2025