DRIP Boss Urges Swift Action Over Journalist Assault, Says 48-Hour Response Will Set Strong Precedent
National Coordinator of the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), Nii Lante Vanderpuye, has called for firm and immediate action against security personnel involved in the recent assault of a journalist during a demolition operation in Accra.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s Breakfast Daily on Thursday, July 31, Vanderpuye commended the government’s quick condemnation of the incident and welcomed the Ghana Armed Forces’ (GAF) decision to initiate an internal investigation.
“I am happy with the swift response from the government in condemning the action. The GAF have also reacted, and I am sure that within the space of 48 hours, which is permissible under our circumstances, action will be taken to act as a precedent and also restrain other over-anxious security personnel from such action,” he stated.
His remarks follow troubling reports from JoyNews journalist Carlos Carlony, who was allegedly assaulted and detained by National Security operatives while covering a demolition exercise at a warehouse reportedly owned by businessman Daniel McKorley, popularly known as McDan.
Carlony said soldiers on site questioned why his team was filming, and despite identifying themselves as journalists, he was struck from behind just as he was preparing to go live.
The Ghana Armed Forces, responding to the public backlash, confirmed it had launched an internal probe into what it described as “inappropriate conduct” by its personnel, acting on a directive from the Presidency.
Vanderpuye stressed that the findings and subsequent actions must not only ensure justice for the assaulted journalist, but also serve as a clear deterrent against future abuse of media professionals and civilians by state security operatives.
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