Mahama to Meet with Security Chiefs Over Assault on JoyNews Journalist
Accra, Ghana – 31 July, 2025 – President John Mahama has strongly condemned the violent assault on JoyNews journalist Carlos Calony by military personnel during a demolition exercise in Accra's Spintex neighborhood on July 30. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with Calony and his team being attacked while covering the operation.
According to reports, Calony and his cameraman were manhandled by soldiers, and their equipment was seized. The journalist was forcibly taken to the National Security facility at "Blue Gate," where he was interrogated and had his phones confiscated. He was later released after the Minister for the Interior intervened.
President Mahama expressed his outrage over the incident during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed deputy ministers on July 31. He emphasized that such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated under his administration. "I have instructed that the incident be investigated, and the officers involved be sanctioned accordingly," he stated.
As a card-bearing member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), President Mahama reaffirmed his commitment to protecting journalists' rights and promoting press freedom. "I will not preside over a government that abuses or intimidates journalists in the lawful exercise of their duties," he said.
To prevent similar incidents, President Mahama plans to convene a meeting with security service heads and GJA leadership to promote better understanding and cooperation between the media and security forces. This initiative aims to recognize journalists as partners in national development, rather than adversaries.
The GJA has condemned the attack and issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Ghana Police Service to take decisive action against the perpetrators. Failure to comply may result in a nationwide media blackout on police activities.
Source: Lead News Online
