The Ghana Bloggers Association has called for a fair and impartial inquiry into reports of alleged assaults involving blogger Sika Official and activist Ralph St. Williams during a demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach in Accra.
The Association, in a statement, said it had taken note of reports and footage circulating from the incident, which allegedly occurred on Friday, October 2, 2026, involving military personnel and individuals at the demolition site.
According to the Association, the footage appeared to show physical confrontations between security personnel and persons who were present to document developments at the site.
While acknowledging the responsibility of security personnel to maintain order, protect lives and property, and ensure that authorised operations are conducted safely, the Ghana Bloggers Association said physical force against journalists, bloggers or other media workers engaged in legitimate documentation should not be considered a normal part of such operations.
It, however, recognised that tensions could arise during sensitive public exercises, particularly when security personnel are managing restricted areas while members of the media and the public seek access to information.
The Association therefore urged all parties to exercise restraint, communicate clearly and respect lawful instructions.
It called for an impartial investigation into the reported incidents involving Sika Official, Ralph St. Williams and any other persons who may have been subjected to alleged assaults during the exercise.
The Association also demanded appropriate accountability if investigations establish that any security personnel or civilians acted unlawfully or breached professional standards.
It further called for greater respect for the work of media practitioners and bloggers documenting issues of legitimate public interest, while stressing that journalists and bloggers must also comply with clearly communicated security boundaries and lawful instructions.
The Ghana Bloggers Association proposed improved communication and coordination between security agencies and media practitioners during demolition exercises and other potentially sensitive operations.
It also called for engagement between the Ghana Armed Forces, relevant security agencies and media and bloggers’ Associations to develop practical guidelines for media coverage around restricted or high-tension operational areas.
The Association said the relationship between the security services and the media should not be defined by confrontation, stressing that both institutions have important responsibilities to Ghana and the public.
“Security personnel must be able to perform their duties, while journalists and bloggers must be able to document matters of public interest without fear of intimidation or unnecessary physical harm,” it said.
The Association appealed to all parties to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions that could further inflame tensions.
It said it was ready to engage the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, relevant government authorities and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue to find practical and lasting solutions to challenges that arise when media practitioners cover security-sensitive operations.
The Association also urged bloggers and other media practitioners covering such operations to prioritise their personal safety, respect established security restrictions, verify information before publication and conduct themselves professionally.
It reaffirmed its commitment to responsible digital journalism, press freedom, public accountability and constructive engagement, and called for calm, dialogue and cooperation to prevent similar incidents from recurring during public operations.
