Government orders probe into assault of JoyNews reporter by security operatives
The government has condemned the violent assault and temporary detention of a JoyNews reporter, Carlos Calony, by some individuals believed to be National Security operatives dressed in military uniforms during a live broadcast from a demolition site on Spintex Road in Accra.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 30, 2025, as Calony and his cameraman, Jonathan Mensah Quaye, covered a demolition exercise.
According to JoyNews, Carlos was interviewing an eyewitness when the operatives attacked the civilian for speaking to the media. Carlos himself was punched twice in the neck and subsequently forced into a vehicle after his phones and equipment were seized.
The reporter was taken to the National Security facility at Bluegate and released only after the personal intervention of the Minister for the Interior. His microphone was also damaged in the process, and he is currently receiving medical treatment for neck pain.
The incident was broadcast live on JoyNews, prompting swift condemnation from media rights groups and members of the public.
In a statement issued later, JoyNews described the assault as a "blatant affront to media freedom" and demanded "an immediate and transparent investigation by state authorities and sanctions against the operatives involved."
Responding to the incident, the government, through a statement signed by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said the actions of the operatives were “utterly unacceptable” and “have no place in our democratic society.”
“I am directed by President John Dramani Mahama to unequivocally reaffirm his unwavering commitment to the freedom and safety of journalists,” the statement read. “A free and unfettered press is a cornerstone of our democracy, essential for accountability, transparency, and informed public discourse.”
The statement added that the President had directed the Minister for Defence and the National Security Coordinator to investigate the matter and “ensure that the appropriate punishment is immediately imposed.”
“Appropriate disciplinary and punitive measures must be applied without delay to ensure accountability and prevent future occurrences,” it concluded.
