President Mahama orders probe into assault of JoyNews journalist Carlos Carlony
President John Dramani Mahama has condemned the assault on JoyNews journalist Carlos Carlony and his cameraman by military personnel and national security operatives during the demolition of a property belonging to McDan.
The incident happened on Wednesday, July 30, 2025.
Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the final batch of deputy ministers on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Jubilee House, President Mahama said he has directed the security services to investigate the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
“Allow me to condemn, in the strongest terms, the recent incident involving the manhandling of journalists by our security personnel. Such conduct is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. I have instructed that the incident be thoroughly investigated and that the officers involved be sanctioned accordingly,” President Mahama stated.
The President emphasized his personal commitment to press freedom, saying: “As a card-carrying member of the Ghana Journalists Association, I will not preside over a government that abuses or intimidates journalists in the lawful exercise of their duties.”
He underscored the vital role of a free and responsible press in sustaining Ghana’s democracy, adding that media freedom must be protected at all costs.
President Mahama also disclosed plans to convene a meeting between the leadership of the security services and the Ghana Journalists Association. The goal, he said, would be to develop an orientation programme aimed at fostering mutual respect and helping security officers see the media as partners in national development, not adversaries.
The incident occurred during media coverage of a demolition exercise involving a warehouse owned by businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan.
While interviewing an eyewitness at the scene, JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony was reportedly confronted by military and national security officers, who ordered him to stop recording. Carlony, along with McDan Group CEO and three others, was allegedly detained and forced to kneel.
According to Carlony, one of the officers punched him from behind. He has since received medical attention, including several diagnostic scans, following the assault.
