The New Media Association of Ghana (NMAG) has condemned the reported assault of one of its members during the demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach in Accra.
The Association said its member, Kwaku Dennis Sika, popularly known as Sika Official, was physically confronted and struck by military personnel while covering the exercise on Friday, October 2, 2026.
According to NMAG, Sika Official was among members of the new media community and other journalists who had gathered at the site to document the demolition.
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The Association said the incident happened as security personnel directed media practitioners to move away from the area.
Footage from the scene circulating publicly appears to capture the confrontation, prompting concerns within the new media community about how some journalists and content creators were treated during the operation.
In a statement signed by NMAG President Eugene Osafo-Nkansah, the Association described the reported use of force against its member as unacceptable, while acknowledging the responsibilities of security personnel during sensitive operations.
“NMAG considers the reported use of physical force against a media practitioner in the course of legitimate professional duties unacceptable.”
The Association noted that security agencies have a duty to maintain order, protect lives and property, and enforce restrictions where necessary, particularly in areas where media access could pose safety or operational concerns.
However, it stressed that such restrictions should be communicated and enforced through proper procedures rather than physical confrontation.
“However, such restrictions must be communicated and enforced professionally. Bloggers, online Journalist and content creators should not be subjected to physical assault simply because they are documenting an event of public interest.”
NMAG has urged Sika Official to visit the nearest health centre for medical attention following the reported incident.
The Association is also calling on the Ghana Armed Forces to examine what happened and take appropriate action if its personnel are found to have breached established professional standards.
“We therefore call on the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly personnel deployed to such operations, to exercise professionalism, restraint and respect when engaging with members of the New Media Association of Ghana and the media at large.”
NMAG further argued that where journalists are required to leave a restricted area, security personnel should provide clear instructions and rely on established security procedures.
“Where media practitioners are required to move away from a restricted area, clear instructions should be issued and appropriate security procedures followed. Physical violence should not be used as a means of controlling or managing media coverage.”
The Association also wants security agencies to establish clearer arrangements for media access ahead of future operations. It believes such measures could reduce confrontations while allowing security personnel to maintain control of sensitive locations.
The call comes as bloggers, online journalists and content creators increasingly cover major public events and national issues alongside traditional media organisations.
NMAG said the expanding digital media space has made new media practitioners an important part of Ghana’s contemporary media landscape and, consequently, their safety and professional recognition must be given due attention.
At the same time, the Association encouraged its members to act responsibly and comply with legitimate security instructions when covering sensitive operations.
“NMAG will continue to advocate for the safety, dignity and professional recognition of its members while encouraging them to conduct themselves responsibly and comply with legitimate security instructions when covering sensitive operations.”
The Association maintained that media work and security operations do not have to come into conflict, provided both sides understand their respective responsibilities.
“We believe the work of security agencies and the work of the media can coexist. What is required is clear communication, professionalism, mutual respect and adherence to established procedures.”
NMAG has subsequently expressed its readiness to engage the Ghana Armed Forces, Ghana Police Service, Ghana Journalists Association and other stakeholders on measures aimed at improving interactions between security personnel and new media practitioners.
The Association said such engagement could help create safer conditions for journalists and content creators covering security-sensitive events across the country.
Read the statement below.
New media association condemns assault on its member @SIKAOFFICIAL1 pic.twitter.com/SiaPjzcYcu
— Zionfelix (@onua_zionfelix) October 2, 2026
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