Soldiers Block JoyNews Coverage, Assault Civilian at McDan Warehouse Demolition in Spintex
A disturbing incident unfolded on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, when armed military personnel obstructed JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony from covering the demolition of a warehouse linked to businessman Daniel McKorley (McDan) on Spintex Road, Accra, and physically assaulted a civilian speaking to him.
The confrontation, reported by MyJoyOnline and Adomonline, has raised serious concerns about press freedom and journalist safety in Ghana.
The demolition, which began around 7:00 PM on July 28, 2025, targeted a McDan Group warehouse near Action Chapel, reportedly due to a land ownership dispute with the Ghana Airports Company.
Eyewitnesses told UTV that two excavators initially broke down, but operatives, alleged to be from National Security, proceeded with a third, ignoring workers’ pleas to retrieve belongings.
During JoyNews’ live coverage, military personnel accosted Carlony, confiscated his phone, and detained him, while assaulting a civilian interviewee, as captured in a video shared by
Former Tema East MP Titus Glover suggested the demolition may be linked to a personal feud between McDan and EOCO’s Acting Director, Raymond Archer, referencing a 2023 incident where McDan, as Ghana Trade Fair board chair, demolished Archer’s structures. Neither McDan Group nor National Security has issued an official statement, fueling speculation on X, where users like @Joy997FM reported threats to “go after anyone who interferes.
The Ghana Journalists Association condemned the incident, echoing concerns from past attacks on JoyNews staff, including Latif Iddrisu in 2018 and Ohemeng Tawiah in 2024.
The detention of Carlony, who was released later that evening, has intensified calls for accountability, with @JoyNewsOnTV questioning whether government inaction emboldens such military actions.
Investigations are ongoing, but the lack of clarity surrounding the confrontation underscores broader issues of press freedom and civilian safety in Ghana.
