A video circulating online shows a uniformed soldier striking content creator Kwaku Dennis, popularly known as Sika Official, while he was filming the ongoing demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach in Accra. The footage, which has been shared widely on social media, shows the confrontation unfolding as security personnel attempted to clear journalists and content creators from the demolition site.
The New Media Association of Ghana (NMAG) has confirmed the incident, saying its member was physically confronted and struck by military personnel while covering the exercise on Friday, October 2, 2026. NMAG said Sika Official was among a group of journalists and new media practitioners gathered at the site to document the demolition when the confrontation occurred.
This marks the second reported assault at the La Pleasure Beach demolition site within a day. Earlier reports from the same blogger suggested a pattern of tension between security personnel and media practitioners covering the exercise. The incidents have raised concerns within Ghana's growing digital media community about how content creators and online journalists are treated while covering state-led operations.
In a statement signed by its President, Eugene Osafo-Nkansah, NMAG described the reported use of force against its member as unacceptable. The Association acknowledged that security agencies have a responsibility to maintain order and protect lives and property during sensitive operations, particularly where media access could raise safety or operational concerns.
However, NMAG stressed that any restrictions on media access should be communicated and enforced through proper procedure rather than physical force. The Association argued that bloggers, online journalists and content creators should not be subjected to assault simply for documenting events of public interest.
NMAG has called on the Ghana Armed Forces, particularly personnel deployed to the demolition site, to review the conduct of its officers and take appropriate action where professional standards have been breached. The Association urged that where media practitioners are required to vacate a restricted area, clear instructions should be given and established security procedures followed, rather than resorting to physical confrontation.
The Association has also advised Sika Official to seek medical attention at the nearest health facility following the incident. NMAG remains open to engaging the Ghana Armed Forces, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Journalists Association and other stakeholders to develop clearer protocols for media access during security-sensitive operations, with the aim of reducing future confrontations.
Key points
- The New Media Association of Ghana demands accountability for the assault on content creator Sika Official by a soldier during the La Pleasure Beach demolition.
