Ghana Orders Probe After JoyNews Reporter Assaulted by Soldiers During Broadcast

July 30, 2025 – Ghana –

The Ghanaian government has launched an official investigation after JoyNews journalist Carlos Carlony was assaulted and briefly detained by military personnel while reporting live from a demolition site in Spintex, Accra. Carlony was covering the demolition of a warehouse reportedly linked to businessman Daniel McKorley when he was attacked by soldiers despite clearly identifying himself as a journalist.

According to Carlony, he and his cameraman were interviewing an eyewitness when a group of soldiers approached. One soldier struck him twice in the neck from behind, and both he and the eyewitness were detained and taken to the National Security headquarters. His phone was seized and searched. Carlony said the soldiers offered no justification for the arrest and appeared intent on preventing any media coverage of the event. The incident was captured on video and broadcast live, prompting immediate public outrage.

The government responded by condemning the assault and ordering the Minister of Defence and the National Security Coordinator to initiate a full investigation into the conduct of the soldiers involved. Officials promised appropriate sanctions pending the outcome of the inquiry. Meanwhile, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has called for the criminal prosecution of the military personnel responsible. MFWA Executive Director Sulemana Braimah described the incident as an assault not just on a journalist but on press freedom itself, warning that failure to address such abuses would embolden further attacks on the media.

Ghana’s press advocacy groups, including the Ghana Journalists Association, have demanded accountability and transparency in the investigation. They noted that this is not an isolated event and reflects a troubling pattern of intimidation and violence by security forces against journalists.

As the investigation proceeds, press freedom advocates are watching closely to ensure that justice is served. The case of Carlos Carlony has become a national flashpoint for discussions about the rights of journalists and the responsibilities of security forces in a democratic society.

References –

https://www.graphic.com.gh/news/general-news/government-orders-probe-into-assault-of-joynews-reporter-by-security-operatives.html

https://www.myjoyonline.com/prosecute-soldiers-who-assaulted-joynews-reporter-mfwa-demands/

https://www.myjoyonline.com/joynews-reporter-assault-govt-orders-investigation-condemns-attack/