Soldiers block JoyNews live coverage, assault civilian at McDan property demolition site

Accra, Ghana — July 30, 2025

Tensions escalated at a demolition site linked to businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan, as soldiers disrupted a live broadcast by JoyNews and physically assaulted a civilian eyewitness. The altercation took place in East Legon, where the Ghana Armed Forces had been deployed to oversee a controversial demolition exercise.

Eyewitnesses reported that JoyNews journalists had set up their equipment and begun a live feed when a group of uniformed personnel aggressively intervened. The soldiers reportedly demanded the media crew cease all recordings and dismantle their broadcast setup. When bystanders began filming the confrontation with mobile phones, a civilian was allegedly dragged away and assaulted.

The identity of the assaulted civilian has not been disclosed, but sources say he sustained bruises and was briefly detained before being released. JoyNews has since condemned the incident, describing it as an infringement on press freedom and a violation of human rights.

"This is an unacceptable attack not just on our crew, but on the rights of every Ghanaian to access information and to freely express themselves," said a senior editor at JoyNews.

The demolition in question relates to a disputed parcel of land allegedly owned by McDan, which city authorities say falls within a government-acquired enclave. Though officials claim the operation was sanctioned, questions remain about the legal clarity surrounding the land and whether due process was followed.

Ghana’s military has yet to issue a formal statement on the matter. Meanwhile, civil society groups and media watchdogs are calling for an immediate investigation into the soldiers' conduct.

“This must not be swept under the rug,” said Kwame Mensah, spokesperson for the Ghana Centre for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana). “We demand accountability and assurance that our security forces understand and respect civilian and media rights.”

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has also weighed in, urging Parliament and the National Media Commission to treat the matter with urgency. They warn that increasing threats to press freedom could erode Ghana’s democratic gains.

As calls grow for an independent probe and legal redress, the incident has once again spotlighted the delicate relationship between state security, private interests, and the fundamental rights of Ghana’s citizens.

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Military officers block JoyNews from broadcasting and assault a civilian at a McDan-related demolition site in East Legon, prompting outrage over media rights and military abuse.