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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned the alleged assault on Class FM journalist Samuel Addo by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) during a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Market in the Central Region on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday, GJA President Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour described the attack as “brutal, unlawful and reprehensible”, emphasising that Mr Addo was lawfully carrying out his professional duties by reporting on a matter of significant public interest.
“We all saw the viral video where the journalist and some civilians were callously attacked with helmets,” Mr Dwumfour said. “This attack is not only on an individual journalist but a direct assault on media freedom, the public’s right to information, and Ghana’s democratic order.”
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The GJA is demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of all personnel involved in the attack, urging the Ghana Police Service and other relevant authorities to act decisively to ensure accountability.
“The safety and freedom of journalists are non-negotiable,” Mr Dwumfour stressed. “We will pursue justice vigorously to ensure that such acts of violence against media practitioners are neither ignored nor repeated.”
The Association criticised the Ghana National Fire Service’s response, in which its Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah, claimed the officers did not assault the journalist but only seized his phone because he was recording an altercation without permission.
Mr Dwumfour called this explanation “untenable, misleading, and offensive,” adding that no officer of the GNFS has the authority to obstruct a journalist, confiscate equipment, or demand permission for lawful coverage at a public emergency.
“This response fails to address the serious allegations of assault and reflects a disturbing disregard for press freedom and the law,” he said.
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