The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) has petitioned the Military High Command over the assault of the morning show host of Akyemansa FM, Nicholas Morkah by five soldiers.
The GJA in a three-point petition signed by its President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, and addressed to the Chief of the Defense Staff (CDS) on Monday, October 23, 2023, called for investigations into the assault case.
They also asked for the requisite sanction(s) to be applied against the soldiers if found culpable, and compensation for Mr Morkah for the bodily harm and material loss he suffered as a result of the assault.
The assault happened during a joint military-customs operation to impound vehicles brought into the country without proper documentation on October 19, 2023.
According to available information, Nicholas witnessed a young man being assaulted by heavily armed soldiers.
He recorded the incident on his mobile phone, but the soldiers rushed on him, hitting him multiple times.
They, subsequently took him to the barracks, deleted all documents on his mobile phones, including vital correspondences, and handed him over to the police.
The GJA in reaction to this, condemned the assault of the journalist; noting that “it was absolutely unwarranted.”
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has expressed sympathy to Nicholas Morkah and the GJA for the “unfortunate incident”.
“We can assure you of our readiness to thoroughly and speedily investigate the alleged assault and anyone found culpable will be sanctioned as appropriate.
“Once again, accept our assurance of ensuring a better and improved relations between the media and the military in the interest of our dear country,” GJA quoted the GAF in its letter dated October 24, 2023, and signed by Air Vice Marshall MK Appiah-Agyekum, Deputy Chief of Staff (Admin).