By Issah Olegor
In a troubling turn of events during the controversial demolition of a warehouse linked to business magnate Daniel McKorley (McDan), armed soldiers physically assaulted a civilian and obstructed a JoyNews journalist who was covering the operation at Spintex, Accra.
The demolition, which began on the evening of July 28, has escalated into a national conversation not only about property rights and political interference, but now also about press freedom and the militarization of civilian operations.
Journalist Barred, Equipment Seized
JoyNews reporter Carlos Carlony was prevented from filming the ongoing demolition and subsequently detained by National Security operatives.
Eyewitnesses confirmed that a civilian who attempted to speak to the journalist was also assaulted at the scene.
Carlony’s mobile phone was reportedly seized during the confrontation, and at the time of this report, he remained in state custody with limited information available about his condition or whereabouts.
The Demolition: Legal Dispute or Political Retaliation?
The warehouse, located along Spintex Road adjacent to Action Chapel, was demolished under heavy security presence involving multiple excavators.
The operation, widely speculated to be politically motivated, comes amid a heated legal dispute between McDan Group and the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL).
Though National Security claims the warehouse was interfering with aviation operations, critics say that rationale lacks consistency, especially as several larger and closer structures remain intact in the same vicinity.
Some believe the demolition may be linked to long-standing personal rivalries, notably involving Raymond Archer, current Executive Director of EOCO.
Raymond Archer’s printing press was demolished in 2020 during the Trade Fair redevelopment — a project McDan supported — and he has since publicly vowed to “get even” under an NDC administration.
With Raymond Archer now wielding significant institutional power, many see the demolition of McDan’s warehouse as retaliation disguised as state action.
Escalating Concerns About Militarized State Action
This latest development raises deep concerns about the growing use of military and National Security forces in civilian matters, particularly where business disputes or politically exposed individuals are involved.
The Ghana Armed Forces and National Security Secretariat have yet to issue a formal statement addressing the use of force against civilians and media professionals during the operation.
