The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the attack and unlawful detention of JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony and his cameraman by military-uniformed National Security operatives.
Speaking during a press conference today, July 31, GJA President Albert Dwumfour voiced deep concern over the incident, which occurred whilst the journalist was covering the recent demolition of a warehouse in Accra, owned by businessman Daniel McKorley (McDan).
“The GJA is deeply troubled by the attack and unlawful detention by National Security operatives on JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony and his cameraman, who were covering the recent demolishing of the McDan warehouse in Accra, owned by businessman Daniel McKorley,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.
He characterised the incident as a blatant violation of media rights:
“In a blatant show of disregard for media rights, the journalist was obstructed, hit at the neck, arrested, harassed and detained while attempting to gather facts and report to the public.”
According to the GJA, the detention lacked any legal justification:
“This arrest and detention were not based on any justifiable legal grounds. Rather, they appeared to be an attempt to suppress information and silence scrutiny of the demolition exercise.”
Describing the incident as censorship by force, he demanded accountability:
“This is censorship through force. They must be condemned in the strongest terms. We demand that the Ghana Police Service and National Security provide a public explanation for the arrest and detention of Carlos Calony and his cameraman.”
He also called for transparency about any investigation, saying, “Additionally, we request the immediate release of any findings or internal reviews conducted regarding the uniformed officers involved.”
Reaffirming the media’s right to operate freely, Mr. Dwumfour asserted:
“The media must be allowed to report freely on public matters without fear of repression. We are public-interest media, and we must stress that. We should be allowed to do our duty without fear or favour.”
Background
Armed military officers on Wednesday, July 30, attacked JoyNews reporter Carlos Calony, his cameraman and an eyewitness while the journalist was covering a demolition exercise at Spintex in Accra.
The soldiers further damaged the equipment of the journalist, leaving his camera in ruins and the victims with injuries.
Mr Calony was later whisked away in a military vehicle, and his phones were seized as he was subjected to intense interrogation at Blue Gate, a facility by National Security where daily operations are carried out.
He was only released after the intervention by the Minister for the Interior, with the government condemning the action of the soldiers.
Read also: JoyNews journalist Carlos Carlony recounts Military assault at McDan warehouse demolition site
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