Soldiers Allegedly Assault Ghanaian Journalist, Delete Phone Data, as CAJ Vows Solidarity With Victim
A Ghanaian journalist, Solomon Kwame Kanaluwe, has reportedly been assaulted by soldiers in the West Mamprusi Municipality of the North East Region, raising renewed concerns over the conduct of security personnel and the safety of media practitioners in the country.
According to reports, the soldiers physically attacked Kanaluwe and forcefully accessed his mobile phone, after which all data on the device was allegedly wiped. The circumstances surrounding the incident have provoked strong condemnation from civil society groups, media rights organisations and public officials.
Reacting to the incident, the Municipal Chief Executive of the West Mamprusi Municipal Assembly, Mohammed Rabiyu Jabaah, described the alleged actions of the soldiers as “barbaric, unprofessional and an infantile display of brute force against innocent civilians without provocation.” He stressed that such conduct was unacceptable and undermined public trust in the security services.
The latest incident has revived memories of a similar episode in the same municipality nearly a year ago, when soldiers reportedly assaulted two journalists -Alhassan Dokurugu of Asaase Radio and Tahiru Ibrahim of Zaa Multimedia, following their coverage of an arson attack involving a commercial passenger bus. Media observers say the recurrence of such incidents points to a disturbing pattern of excessive force and disregard for due process by some members of the security services, particularly in their dealings with journalists.
They note that while security agencies are mandated to maintain law and order, these responsibilities must be exercised within the confines of the law and with full respect for fundamental human rights, including press freedom.
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has also strongly condemned the alleged assault, detention and invasion of privacy suffered by Kanaluwe. Although reports indicate that an unidentified military commander later issued an apology, the organisation maintained that this was insufficient. The MFWA called for a comprehensive, transparent investigation and urged the military high command to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Adding its voice to the growing chorus of condemnation, the Congress of African Journalists (CAJ) described the incident as an unacceptable attack on press freedom, privacy and democratic accountability.
In a statement signed by its President, Comrade Chris Isiguzo, the CAJ said journalists were not adversaries of the state but “essential partners in governance and public enlightenment,” who should never be subjected to intimidation, brutality or unlawful interference in the course of their work.
While acknowledging reports of an apology by an unidentified military commander, the CAJ insisted that an apology alone was inadequate. It called on the Ghana Armed Forces High Command and relevant security authorities to launch an urgent and transparent investigation, particularly in view of similar past incidents in the same municipality.
The continental journalists’ body expressed solidarity with Kanaluwe, the Ghana Journalists Association and the MFWA, warning that it would continue to monitor the case closely and would not hesitate to engage the African Union, ECOWAS institutions and international media rights partners to ensure the protection of journalists and press freedom across the region.
Observers warn that continued abuses against civilians, especially journalists, risk eroding public confidence in the security services and damaging their credibility, underscoring the need for professionalism, accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law.
EDITOR
Sam Udekwe is a journalist working in the News and Current Affairs department, Enugu State Broadcasting Service (ESBS) Enugu. He is well trained in all genres of journalistic venture.
Mr Sam read Mass Communication, graduating all with Distinction in National Diploma, Higher National Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma at IMT, Enugu and Madonna University, Okija, Anambra state, as well as M.Sc Mass Communication at National Open University of Nigeria.
He is the immediate past NUJ Chairman, Enugu state.
samowailo@gmail.com
