Ghana Bloggers Association Condemns Alleged Assaults on Media Workers at La Pleasure Beach

The Ghana Bloggers Association has taken note of reports concerning the alleged assault of Ghanaian blogger Sika Official and activist Ralph St. Williams by military personnel during the ongoing demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach in Accra on Friday, October 2, 2026.

We are deeply concerned by reports and footage circulating from the scene, which appear to show physical confrontations between security personnel and bloggers who were present to document developments at the site.

While we recognise the responsibility of security personnel to maintain order, protect lives and property, and ensure that authorised operations are carried out safely, we do not believe that the use of physical force against journalists, bloggers or other media workers carrying out legitimate documentation should be accepted as a normal part of such operations.

At the same time, we acknowledge that tensions can arise during sensitive public exercises, particularly where security personnel are managing restricted areas and members of the media and public are seeking access to information. It is therefore important that all parties exercise restraint, communicate clearly and respect lawful instructions.

The Ghana Bloggers Association calls for:

1. A fair and impartial inquiry 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.
2. Appropriate accountability where it is established that any security personnel or civilian acted outside the law or breached established professional standards.
3. Respect for the work of media practitioners and bloggers who are documenting matters of legitimate public interest, while recognising the need for journalists and bloggers to comply with clearly communicated security boundaries and lawful instructions.
4. Improved communication and coordination between security agencies and media practitioners during demolition exercises and other potentially sensitive operations.
5. Collaborative 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 believes that the relationship between the security services and the media should not be defined by confrontation. Both institutions have important responsibilities to Ghana and to 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.

We therefore appeal to all parties to exercise restraint and avoid statements or actions that could further inflame tensions.

The Ghana Bloggers Association is ready and willing to engage the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, relevant government authorities and other stakeholders in a constructive dialogue aimed at finding practical and lasting solutions to challenges that arise when media practitioners cover security‑sensitive operations.

Our objective is not to create division between the media and security agencies. Rather, it is to promote mutual respect, professionalism, safety, accountability and cooperation.

We believe that through dialogue and collaboration, we can establish an environment where security personnel can carry out their lawful duties effectively, while bloggers, journalists and other media workers can perform their professional responsibilities safely and responsibly.

The Association also encourages bloggers and other media practitioners covering such operations to prioritise their personal safety, respect clearly established security restrictions, verify information before publication and conduct themselves professionally.

The Ghana Bloggers Association remains committed to the principles of responsible digital journalism, press freedom, public accountability and constructive engagement.

We call for calm, dialogue and cooperation, and encourage all stakeholders to work together to ensure that incidents of this nature do not become a recurring feature of media coverage of public operations in Ghana.

Ghana Bloggers Association
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