The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has called on the Presidency to launch a transparent investigation into the alleged assault of the Chief Executive Officer of the McDan Group and some of his staff by military personnel.

The call follows the recent media reports, particularly by JoyNews, which detailed troubling accounts of a confrontation at a demolished McDan Group warehouse.

Eyewitnesses allege that Mr McKorley and members of his management team were held at gunpoint and forced to kneel, while a journalist covering the incident was also reportedly assaulted.

Although the Presidency has publicly condemned the attack on the journalist and President John Dramani Mahama has reiterated his administration’s respect for media freedoms, the IEAG expressed disappointment over the lack of official comment regarding the alleged mistreatment of Mr McKorley and his team.

“This silence sends a worrying signal to the business community and threatens to undermine investor confidence in Ghana,” the IEAG noted in a press statement issued on Friday.

The Association described Mr McKorley as a highly respected entrepreneur whose global recognition and philanthropic work make him a symbol of private sector leadership. It warned that subjecting such individuals to alleged inhumane treatment tarnishes Ghana’s image as a safe and business-friendly destination.

The IEAG further drew parallels between this incident and the controversial demolition of the Universal Labels and Packaging Company, owned by Mr Raymond Archer, during the previous administration, suggesting a concerning trend of politically motivated actions against private businesses.

“We urge President Mahama to demonstrate his longstanding commitment to the rule of law by ensuring this matter is investigated thoroughly and impartially,” the statement added.

The Association also called on all business owners to avoid leveraging political influence for competitive advantage and urged government to act decisively against any perceived acts of political interference in private enterprise.

“The strength of our economy rests on fairness, legal integrity, and mutual respect. Ghana must not allow politics to stifle the spirit of entrepreneurship,” said Mr Samson Asaki Awingobit, Executive Secretary of the IEAG.