By Aaron 
A warehouse reportedly owned by Ghanaian business magnate, Dr. Daniel McKorley—popularly known as McDan—was unexpectedly demolished on Monday evening, July 28, at around 7 PM.
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The incident, which occurred along the Spintex Road in Accra, has raised widespread concerns regarding the legality of the demolition, alleged abuse of power, and the treatment of journalists during the operation.
Sudden Demolition Sparks Outrage
The structure in question, which is believed to be part of McDan’s growing logistics and warehousing empire, was razed to the ground by individuals alleged to be national security operatives. No official communication preceded the demolition, and no court order has been made public as of the time of reporting.
Eyewitnesses in the area expressed shock as bulldozers arrived under tight military supervision, flattening the building within minutes. The operation was swift, and by the time residents and nearby business operators realized what was happening, the warehouse had already been reduced to rubble.
Eyewitness Assaulted as Tensions Escalate
As the demolition unfolded, tensions escalated between bystanders and uniformed officers. One eyewitness, who attempted to capture the event on camera, was reportedly physically assaulted by some of the personnel on the ground. The motive behind the alleged assault remains unclear, but it has been widely condemned by civil rights observers and legal experts.
The victim, believed to be a local resident, is said to have sustained bruises and emotional distress following the altercation. The incident adds to a growing list of reported abuses during state-led operations involving private property.
JoyNews Reporter Detained Live On-Air
In a dramatic turn of events, a JoyNews journalist covering the scene live was reportedly picked up by military personnel while broadcasting. Viewers watching the live report were stunned when the camera abruptly shifted, and the broadcast was cut. According to media colleagues, the journalist had been ordered to stop filming and was briefly detained.
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and other press freedom advocacy groups have since expressed deep concern over the military’s conduct. They argue that the journalist was within his legal rights to cover a public interest story and that the actions of the security personnel were a direct affront to media freedom and democracy.
Questions Surround Motive Behind Demolition
Dr. Daniel McKorley, one of Ghana’s most influential entrepreneurs, has yet to issue an official statement on the matter. As the founder and executive chairman of the McDan Group of Companies, his name has become synonymous with innovation and national pride in logistics and aviation.
With the demolished warehouse reportedly serving as part of his expanding operations, questions now surround the motive behind the sudden demolition. Was the structure unlawfully erected? Was it sitting on disputed land? Or was this action part of a larger political or economic agenda?
Observers and legal analysts are calling on the government to clarify the reasons behind the demolition, especially given McDan’s prominence and the visibility of the incident.
Public and Legal Reactions
The demolition has triggered a public backlash, with many Ghanaians taking to social media to demand answers. Prominent voices in civil society, legal advocacy, and the business community have urged restraint, transparency, and due process.
Several legal experts have highlighted that even if a structure is deemed illegal or improperly situated, demolition should only follow court orders and appropriate notice, with avenues for the affected party to seek redress.
“State institutions must operate within the law. There is no justification for such a demolition at night, let alone the reported assault of civilians and the arrest of a journalist,” a private legal practitioner noted on a morning radio program.
Call for Accountability and Rule of Law
This unfolding situation puts the spotlight on broader issues: property rights, abuse of power, and press freedom in Ghana. If indeed state operatives were involved, accountability must be pursued to preserve public confidence in democratic governance and the rule of law.
There is also growing pressure on the Ministry of National Security and the Ghana Armed Forces to provide official statements explaining their role, if any, in the incident. Human rights groups and media houses have called for investigations into both the demolition and the treatment of eyewitnesses and journalists.
The demolition of McDan’s warehouse on Spintex Road, and the alleged misconduct by military personnel, represent a serious national issue that transcends property damage. As Ghanaians await clarity from authorities and a response from McDan himself, calls for justice, press freedom, and adherence to lawful procedures grow louder.
The eyes of the nation—and indeed the international community—are watching. What happens next will say a lot about Ghana’s commitment to the rule of law and democratic accountability.
