The High Command of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has initiated investigations into alleged misconduct by officers seconded to the National Security Secretariat, following reports that they physically assaulted a Joy FM reporter and some civilians at a warehouse belonging to businessman Daniel McKorley in Accra.
In a press statement dated July 30 and issued by the Public Relations Unit of the GAF, the military confirmed that the investigations are being conducted on the directive of the Jubilee House.
The statement described the alleged actions of the officers as unlawful and inappropriate, while reiterating the GAF’s commitment to uncovering the truth and applying appropriate sanctions once investigations are concluded.
“The disturbing circumstances involving our officers allegedly attacking a journalist and other civilians going about their lawful duties are utterly reprehensible and condemnable. As a result of a directive issued from the Presidency, the High Command is initiating investigative procedures to identify the culprits and discipline them accordingly, should it be established that they acted contrary to the military’s standard operating procedures.
“We will not shield any officers from the standards of accountability and would like to assure the public of our transparency throughout this process.”
In a related development, the journalist involved (name withheld) has recounted the events that led to the assault on him and others on the said day.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Midday News, he explained that the attack began while he was interviewing an eyewitness at the scene, where personnel from the National Security Secretariat were allegedly demolishing some warehouses linked to Daniel McKorley.
“We arrived at the location before the soldiers. I was speaking with an eyewitness who had observed the demolition when, suddenly, we heard sirens as vehicles sped onto the scene. Soldiers jumped out and interrupted our live interview.
“I explained that we were journalists covering the incident. I was on the phone with my producers when one of the soldiers attacked me from behind with two punches, claiming I was filming them. I fell to the ground.
“The soldiers then informed us that we—my team and some officials from the McDan Group—were being taken to the National Security Headquarters for questioning. We were forced into a pickup truck and driven straight to the Blue Gate in central Accra.
“We were held in a room for over 45 minutes, and our phones were confiscated. I was asked to write a statement, which I declined to do until I had spoken to my superiors. That was all that transpired during the detention—there were no further altercations.”
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation from the general public, civil society organizations, and concerned Ghanaians, many of whom are calling for stronger punitive measures against law enforcement officers involved in extrajudicial acts.
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Story by Sika Togoh|univers.ug.edu.gh
