Ghana Military Launches Probe After Journalist Assault

When soldiers detained a journalist in northern Ghana over where he parked his motorbike, it could have ended like countless similar incidents worldwide. Instead, Ghana's military leadership launched an immediate investigation, signaling a commitment to accountability that press freedom advocates are celebrating.

Solomon Kwame Kanaluwe, a regional correspondent for Media General Group, was approached by four soldiers in Walewale who claimed his parked motorbike obstructed their operations. The soldiers detained him, seized his phone, copied his contacts, forwarded selected messages to themselves, and deleted all data from his device before returning it.

The incident happened in Ghana's North East Region, where the military has intensified operations following recent attacks on public transport that resulted in casualties. In their statement announcing the investigation, the Ghana Armed Forces acknowledged the heightened security environment but didn't excuse the treatment of the journalist.

The Bright Side

What makes this story remarkable is the speed of the military's response. Within days of the January 28, 2026 incident, the Ghana Armed Forces issued a public statement confirming their investigation and acknowledging the problem.

The Media Foundation for West Africa, a respected press freedom organization, publicly commended the military high command for taking swift action. This kind of institutional response shows how transparency can rebuild trust between security forces and the communities they serve.

The Foundation is now using this momentum to push for updates on two other journalist assault cases from 2025, plus complaints about military treatment of civilians in the region. Their message is clear: security operations must protect everyone, including those documenting events.

Ghana has long been considered a bright spot for press freedom in West Africa. This investigation suggests the country's institutions are working to maintain that reputation, even during difficult security situations in border regions.

The military's public acknowledgment that accountability matters, even during crisis operations, sets a powerful precedent. When armed forces investigate their own misconduct openly, it strengthens democratic institutions and shows that no one is above the law.

Kanaluwe's willingness to speak out about his treatment, combined with the military's willingness to investigate, creates exactly the kind of dialogue that protects rights while addressing legitimate security concerns.