The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has submitted a formal petition to the Military High Command concerning the assault of Nicholas Morkah, the morning show host of Akyemansa FM, located in Akim Oda within the Eastern Region. This assault allegedly involved five soldiers.
The GJA is calling upon the Police to promptly initiate an investigation into the incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the full extent of the law.
In a comprehensive three-point petition, signed by GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, and directly addressed to the Chief of the Defense Staff (CDS) on Monday, October 23, 2023, the GJA advocates for a thorough investigation of the assault, appropriate sanctions for the involved soldiers if found guilty, and compensation for Nicholas Morkah to cover the physical harm and loss of property he endured during the attack.
The GJA firmly condemns this unwarranted attack on the broadcast journalist, denouncing it in the strongest terms.
The Incident
The incident unfolded on Thursday, October 19, 2023, in Akim Oda during a collaborative military-customs operation aimed at impounding vehicles lacking proper documentation upon entry into the country.
During this open operation, Nicholas, who was passing through the area on a motorcycle, observed a crowd gathered near the Akim Oda Post Office. He stopped to inquire about the situation. At that very moment, he witnessed a group of soldiers chasing and subsequently assaulting a young man they had detained.
Guided by his journalistic instincts, Nicholas began recording the incident using his mobile phone.
However, five heavily-armed soldiers, reportedly affiliated with the Achiase Jungle Warfare School, immediately turned their attention to him and subjected him to physical violence, repeatedly striking him with clenched fists.
Nicholas, who works with radio a station owned by Ghana’s Information Minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah further alleges that these soldiers forcefully transported him to their barracks, continuing to assault him on the way. Upon arrival at the barracks, and after presenting him to their superior officer, they erased all data from his two mobile phones, including vital documents necessary for his ongoing correspondences. Subsequently, the soldiers handed him over to the police where he was detained and subsequently granted bail.
Military – Media Relations
The GJA initiated an investigation into this incident, which was reported to them on Saturday, October 21, 2023.
They based their subsequent petition on their findings, emphasizing the historical discord between the military and the media due to similar cases of military assaults on media practitioners.
Nonetheless, the GJA acknowledges the recent efforts made by the Military High Command, under the leadership of the current CDS, Vice Admiral Seth Amoama, in repairing these strained relationships.
They recalled a recent meeting held at Burma Camp, where the Military High Command and the GJA pledged their commitment to working together harmoniously.
While commending the CDS for his positive efforts, the GJA hopes that he will fulfill the promise made during the said meeting, rebuilding military-media relations by holding the responsible soldiers in the Akim Oda incident accountable.
In a swift response to the GJA’s petition, the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) expressed sympathy to Nicholas Morkah and the GJA for the unfortunate incident.
They assured that they are fully prepared to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation into the alleged assault, and anyone found to be at fault will face appropriate sanctions.
In a letter dated October 24, 2023, signed by Air Vice Marshall MK Appiah-Agyekum, Deputy Chief of Staff (Admin), the GAF reiterated their commitment to improving relations between the media and the military for the betterment of the nation.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh/103.5FM/Kojo Ansah
