Bloggers Association condemns reported assaults at La Pleasure Beach

The Ghana Bloggers Association has condemned reported assaults on Ghanaian blogger Sika Official and activist Ralph St. Williams during the demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach in Accra on Friday, October 2, 2026.

The Association said it had taken note of reports and footage from the scene which appeared to show physical confrontations between security personnel and individuals present to document the exercise.

While acknowledging the responsibility of security personnel to maintain order and ensure that authorised operations are carried out safely, the Association said physical force against journalists, bloggers or other media workers carrying out legitimate documentation should not be accepted as a normal part of such operations.

“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,” it said.

The Association, however, acknowledged that tensions could arise during sensitive public exercises, particularly when security personnel are managing restricted areas while members of the media and public seek access to information.

It called on all parties to exercise restraint, communicate clearly and respect lawful instructions.

The Ghana Bloggers Association has called for 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.

It also called for appropriate accountability where investigations establish that security personnel or civilians acted outside the law or breached professional standards.

The Association urged security agencies to respect the work of media practitioners and bloggers documenting matters of legitimate public interest.

At the same time, it said journalists and bloggers must comply with clearly communicated security boundaries and lawful instructions.

It further called for improved communication and coordination between security agencies and media practitioners during demolition exercises and other potentially sensitive operations.

The Association also proposed a 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 said 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,” it said.

“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.”

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, the Ghana Police Service, relevant government authorities and other stakeholders to find 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,” the statement said.

The Association also encouraged 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.

It said it remained committed to responsible digital journalism, press freedom, public accountability and constructive engagement.

“We call for calm, dialogue and cooperation, and we 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,” the Association said.