By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, Jan. 7, GNA – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the alleged assault on Mr Samuel Addo, a journalist with Class FM, by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while Mr Addo was covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Market in the Central Region.
Addressing a press conference at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra on Constitution Day, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, described the assault as a direct attack on media freedom, the public’s right to information, and Ghana’s democratic order.
“This attack is not only an assault on an individual journalist but a direct attack on media freedom, the public’s right to information, and Ghana’s democratic order,” he stated.
Mr Dwumfour expressed disappointment that the first reported assault on a journalist in 2026 was allegedly perpetrated by men in uniform, describing the trend from the Military to the Police and now the GNFS as “disturbing and intolerable.”
He referenced a viral video from the scene showing the journalist and some civilians being assaulted with helmets.
“No emergency or security institution has the authority to intimidate, assault or obstruct journalists under the guise of operational control. Such conduct reflects a dangerous culture of impunity that must be confronted decisively,” he stated.
The GJA rejected the explanation offered by the GNFS through its Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah, who claimed officers only seized the journalist’s phone because he was recording an altercation without permission.
Mr Dwumfour described the defence as “wobbling, weak and wholly unacceptable,” and “untenable, misleading and offensive to basic intelligence.”
“No officer of the Ghana National Fire Service has the authority to confiscate a journalist’s equipment, obstruct coverage, or demand ‘permission’ for lawful journalistic work at a public emergency scene,” he said.
The Association called on the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr Christian Tetteh Yohonu, to ensure the immediate arrest, investigation and prosecution of all involved personnel, stressing that internal disciplinary measures were insufficient.
It also demanded that the leadership of the GNFS, led by the Chief Fire Officer, Madam Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, publicly condemn the assault, identify and sanction the officers, and issue an unqualified apology to Mr Addo, Class Media Group and the media fraternity.
The GJA also insisted on the dismissal or removal of the GNFS PRO from his position, citing his handling of the matter as evidence of being “unfit” for the role.
The Association commended the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, and the Management of Class Media Group for condemning the attack, pledging to collaborate with them to secure justice for Mr Addo.
Mr Dwumfour also commended the Ghana Police Service for recent improvements in police-civilian relations but warned that such gains could be eroded by acts of impunity from other state institutions.
The press conference was held to mark Constitution Day, which Mr Dwumfour said served as a reminder of the constitutional guarantees of press freedom and the need for all state institutions and citizens to uphold the 1992 Constitution.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey