Legal practitioner, Oliver Barker-Vormawor, has cautioned the Mahama administration to be careful about the conduct of some security officers.
He says that the indiscipline of some of the security officers will send the NDC administration into opposition.
“When the NDC took over power, I warned them to be careful of some of the elements within our security forces. I will repeat it. Their indiscipline will send this Government into opposition. Mark my words,” he wrote on Facebook.His comments follow the assault on a Joy News journalist some some military officers.
The Ghana Armed Forces (GFA) has commenced investigations into the matter. GAF says that the officers would be dealt with after the investigations.
According to a press release issued by the Department of Public Relations at GAF Headquarters, the probe follows a directive from the Presidency and aims to determine the facts surrounding what it describes as “inappropriate conduct” by soldiers during an encounter with journalists on Tuesday, July 30.
“In line with the directive from the Presidency, the Ghana Armed Forces wishes to inform the general public that investigations have begun into the inappropriate conduct of some soldiers during an encounter with some journalists,” the statement read.
Signed by Captain VA Arhin (Ghana Navy), Acting Director General of Public Relations, the release assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and that “those found culpable will be dealt with accordingly.”
The government also condemned the attempted arrest of a JoyNews Reporter, Carlos Carlony, during coverage of a demolition site exercise at a warehouse linked to businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, in Accra.
Similarly, the state also condemned the assault by military officers on an eyewitness who was being interviewed at the demolition site.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Spokesperson to the President and Minister of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu in a statement on July 30, 2025 said “such actions are utterly unacceptable to the John Mahama administration and have no place in our democratic society.”
Felix Kwakye Ofosu further reaffirmed President Mahama’s “unwavering commitment” to the freedom and safety of journalists.
“A free and unfettered press is a cornerstone of our democracy, essential for accountability, transparency, and informed public discourse,” the statement added.
Government also reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Ghanaian citizens, whose rights must always be protected.
Government has accordingly directed the Minister for Defence and the National Security Coordinator to investigate the incident and ensure that the officers involved receive the appropriate punishment immediately.
“Appropriate disciplinary and punitive measures must be applied without delay to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences,” Kwakye Ofosu noted.
The incident occurred during coverage of demolition of a warehouse belonging to businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan. The JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony while interviewing an eyewitness was interrupted by military officers and some national security personnel who demanded that he stopped reporting on the demolition.
Mr. Carlony was further detained alongside Group CEO of McDan and three others, who were allegedly compelled to kneel. According to Carlony, he received punches from behind by one of the military officers and has since visited the hospital where a number of scans had been conducted.
