The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) involved in the alleged assault of a Class FM journalist at Kasoa in the Central Region.
Addressing a Constitution Day press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra on Tuesday, January 7, 2026, GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, described the attack on Mr. Samuel Addo as brutal, unlawful and a direct assault on media freedom.
Mr. Addo was reportedly attacked while covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Market on Sunday, January 4, 2026. Viral footage of the incident showed fire officers allegedly hitting the journalist and some civilians with helmets as he carried out his professional duties.
According to the GJA, the journalist was lawfully reporting on an incident of public interest when officers of the Fire Service allegedly assaulted him, an action the Association said undermines the public’s right to information and Ghana’s democratic order.
“This attack is not only against an individual journalist but against press freedom itself,” Mr. Dwumfour stated, adding that no security or emergency institution has the authority to assault or obstruct journalists in the line of duty.
The GJA strongly criticised the explanation offered by the Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, DO II Desmond Ackah, who claimed officers only seized the journalist’s phone because he was recording without permission. The Association described the explanation as weak, misleading and indicative of ignorance of press freedom and the law.
The Association has called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the arrest, thorough investigation and prosecution of all officers involved, stressing that internal disciplinary measures alone will not suffice.
The GJA also demanded that the Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, publicly condemns the assault, identifies the officers involved and applies severe sanctions, including dismissal where appropriate. It further called for the removal of the GNFS PRO from his position and an unqualified public apology to Mr. Addo, Class Media Group and the media fraternity.
The GJA commended the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, for condemning the attack and welcomed assurances that firm action will be taken against the officers involved.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Doe Lawson