Soldiers Reportedly Assault Journalist, Wipe Phone Data
A Ghanaian journalist, Solomon Kwame Kanaluwe, has reportedly been assaulted by soldiers who also allegedly wiped data from his mobile phone, sparking renewed concerns over the conduct of security personnel and the safety of media practitioners in the country.
It was gathered that the soldiers physically attacked the journalist and forcefully accessed his personal phone, after which all information stored on the device was said to have been deleted. The circumstances surrounding the encounter have drawn sharp criticism from civil society and media rights organisations.
Reacting to the incident, the Municipal Chief Executive of the West Mamprusi Municipal Assembly, Hon. Mohammed Rabiyu Jabaah, condemned the actions of the soldiers, describing the assault as “barbaric, unprofessional and an infantile display of brute force against innocent civilians without provocation.”
The incident has also 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, after they covered an arson attack involving a commercial passenger bus. Media observers say the repeated incidents point to a troubling pattern of excessive force and disregard for due process by some members of the security services, particularly in their interactions with journalists and civilians.
They note that while security agencies are empowered to maintain law and order, such duties must be carried out within the confines of the law and with respect for fundamental human rights. The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has also strongly condemned the assault, detention and alleged invasion of privacy suffered by Kanaluwe.
In a statement, the organisation acknowledged reports that an unidentified military commander later issued an apology, but insisted that this was insufficient. The MFWA called on the military high command and relevant security authorities to launch a comprehensive and transparent investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
It further urged security agencies to recommit themselves to professionalism and lawful conduct, warning that continued abuses against civilians erode public confidence and damage the credibility of the security services.
