A journalist with Class Media, Samuel Addo, has reported an alleged assault by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to the police following an incident at the Kasoa New Market fire scene.
Mr Addo claims he lost GH¢10,200 during the altercation, although his mobile phone, which was also taken at the time, has since been retrieved and returned to him.
Speaking in an interview with newsmen, the journalist explained that the incident occurred while he was covering a fire outbreak at the market. He said he had earlier filed a report on the station’s morning show and later decided to visit the fire service station to obtain the GNFS side of events.
According to him, upon arrival at the station, he witnessed fire service personnel allegedly assaulting some civilians and decided to record the scene.
“I decided to capture what was happening,” he said. “While filming, a young fire service officer approached me. I introduced myself as a journalist, and he walked away. A few minutes later, about 10 officers, including the same one, returned and confronted me.”
Mr Addo alleged that the officers held him by the neck, restrained his hands behind his back, and assaulted him. He further claimed that his phone and belt were forcibly taken during the incident.
“They took my phone and tore my belt. Later, I noticed my bag was open, and when I checked, GH¢10,200 was missing out of the GH¢20,000 I had with me,” he stated.
He said his phone was later returned through the intervention of the Member of Parliament for the area, Phyllis Naa Koryor. Mr Addo also disclosed that he has been issued a police medical form and is seeking medical treatment.
“The money is still missing. I have reported everything to the police,” he added.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of journalists covering emergency situations and the conduct of uniformed personnel during public operations.