Ghana’s President John Mahama has strongly denounced the attempted arrest of a JoyNews journalist and the alleged assault of a bystander by a military officer during a demolition exercise in Accra.
In a statement released on Wednesday, July 31, 2025, and signed by Presidential Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidency described the incident as “utterly unacceptable” and a violation of the country’s democratic principles.
The president reiterated his firm stance on press freedom and the safety of all citizens, stating: “A free and unfettered press is fundamental to democracy, transparency, and accountability.”
He stressed that the security of journalists is “non-negotiable.”
The directive comes in the wake of mounting public criticism over the conduct of security personnel at a site near Kotoka International Airport, where the Ghana Airports Company is executing a court-ordered demolition and land reclamation exercise.
Eyewitnesses allege that during the operation, a JoyNews reporter was targeted for arrest while covering the event, and a civilian was assaulted.
President Mahama has ordered the Minister of Defence and the National Security Coordinator to launch a swift and thorough investigation into the matter and to impose appropriate disciplinary measures.
The statement underscores the administration’s zero-tolerance approach to abuses by security forces, particularly against media personnel who play a vital role in promoting transparency.
The incident has reignited debate over press safety in Ghana, a nation often regarded as a model of democracy and media freedom in West Africa. Media rights groups have urged authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable, warning that impunity could embolden further attacks on journalists.
The government’s response is being closely watched, both domestically and internationally, as a test of its commitment to upholding democratic norms.
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