The federal government has strongly condemned the assault of a journalist from Accra-based Pleasure Information and a civilian by army personnel throughout a stay broadcast.
An announcement dated Wednesday, 30 July, and signed by the Minister of Authorities Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, described the incident as “completely unacceptable” to the John Mahama administration and a menace to the nation’s democratic values.
The assault passed off whereas the journalist, recognized as Carlos Calony, and a cameraman have been reporting stay from the demolition web site of a warehouse situated alongside Spintex Street. The warehouse is reportedly linked to Dr Daniel McKorley, popularly often called McDan.
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Footage of the incident reveals that throughout the stay broadcast, people wearing army uniforms, believed to be nationwide safety operatives, interrupted the interview and proceeded to bodily assault an eyewitness who was being interviewed.
In keeping with Carlos, he himself was struck twice within the neck with a clenched fist by one of many officers.
In a stunning escalation, the operatives toppled the mounted digicam, inflicting appreciable injury, seized Carlos’s cellphones, and forcibly positioned him in a automobile.
He was subsequently transported to the Nationwide Safety facility at Bluegate, the place he was detained. His launch got here solely after the non-public intervention of the Minister for the Inside.
Within the assertion, the Minister condemned the act and reaffirmed President John Mahama’s dedication to press freedom. It learn:
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I’m directed by President John Dramani Mahama to unequivocally reaffirm his unwavering dedication to the liberty and security of journalists. A free and unfettered press is a cornerstone of our democracy, important for accountability, transparency, and knowledgeable public discourse.
The federal government additional reiterated its dedication to making sure the security and safety of all Ghanaian residents, stating that their rights should all the time be protected.
The assertion added that the federal government has instructed the Minister for Defence and the Nationwide Safety Coordinator to launch a full investigation into the incident and to make sure that these accountable are held accountable.
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It careworn that applicable disciplinary and punitive measures should be enforced at once, with a purpose to uphold accountability and forestall such actions from recurring.
