Soldiers assault blogger Sika Official and activist Ralph during La Pleasure Beach demolition

Military personnel assaulted blogger Sika Official and activist Ralph St. Williams while they covered demolition at La Pleasure Beach in Accra on Friday, October 2, 2026. The incident unfolded as soldiers pushed journalists, bloggers and onlookers away from the site where a demolition exercise was ongoing.

Sika Official and Ralph St. Williams were among media workers and members of the public present at the location. According to reports from the scene, Ralph was documenting the demolition when a military officer confronted him and ordered him to move back. Ralph complied with instructions but was allegedly struck by the officer. He expressed frustration, saying he had respected orders while carrying out his work as a reporter.

Footage from the scene showed a soldier using a rod to hit Sika Official repeatedly while demanding he move away from the area. Sika questioned the justification for the force, noting that journalists are protected even in conflict zones. He described the assault as unprofessional and called attention to the need to safeguard media personnel during public exercises.

The confrontation occurred amid rising tensions as authorities attempted to enforce the demolition. Some traders and workers at the site were also involved in confrontations during the operation. The incident has sparked public concern over the treatment of journalists and media workers who were present to document the exercise.

The demolition exercise at La Pleasure Beach continues under military supervision. Authorities have not yet released an official statement regarding the alleged assaults. The affected individuals and advocacy groups are expected to call for accountability and protection for journalists in future operations.