The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for urgent action from Ghanaian authorities following the assault on JoyNews reporter Carlos Lorlornyo Atsu Calony. This incident, which occurred on July 30, also involved threats against camera operator Jonas Zodzi Voergborlo. CPJ has emphasized the need for a transparent and comprehensive inquiry to address these actions, highlighting concerns about recurring patterns of abuse against journalists in the country. According to CPJ Africa Program Coordinator Muthoki Mumo, the role of Ghanaian security forces as protectors has unfortunately been compromised by their conduct towards journalists.
A day after the assault, President John Dramani Mahama labeled the mistreatment of the press as “unacceptable” and directed security services to investigate the incident, ensuring those responsible are sanctioned. The president also indicated plans to collaborate with security chiefs and the Ghana Journalists Association on training to improve interactions with the press. Following these statements, the Ghana Armed Forces announced an investigation and promised disciplinary action if needed. However, press freedom groups remain skeptical, expressing doubts about the potential for real accountability. The Media Foundation for West Africa, for example, noted a mismatch between the seriousness of the incident and the military’s initial response, calling for concrete action rather than vague assurances.
Calony recounted that during the incident in Accra, uniformed soldiers approached the JoyNews team as they filmed a demolition and commanded them to cease recording. He alleges being struck twice from behind, resulting in severe spinal pain and vision loss in one eye. The soldiers reportedly damaged equipment and threatened further violence against Voergborlo if he continued filming. Additionally, Calony claimed his phones were confiscated, and he was taken to the National Intelligence Bureau headquarters for questioning before being released. He subsequently sought medical treatment.
This incident is part of a larger pattern of journalist abuses in Ghana, as highlighted by the CPJ, which notes that systematic issues persist in the absence of timely sanctions. The killing of investigative journalist Ahmed Hussein-Suale Divela remains unresolved four years later, and numerous assaults and threats against journalists have occurred since 2019. Efforts by rights groups to address these issues have faced challenges, with accusations that the criminalization of “false news” is a tool to silence the media.
Earlier this year, five journalists were attacked while covering elections in the Ashanti Region. Despite a police statement promising to pursue those responsible, no significant progress has been made. In an August 12 appeal, CPJ reiterated its call for a time-bound, transparent inquiry with findings that could signal Ghana’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and end impunity for such attacks [JURIST]. This call for action aligns with a broader appeal made in April for systemic reforms to safeguard press freedom in the region.