The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has stepped up calls for accountability following the assault on Class FM journalist Samuel Addo during a fire outbreak at the Kasoa Market on Sunday, January 4, 2026, describing the incident as a troubling attack on press freedom.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, January 6, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour called for the immediate dismissal of the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), DO II Desmond Ackah.
According to the Association, the PRO’s handling of the matter after the incident raised serious concerns about his suitability to manage public communication for the Service.
The GJA also demanded an unqualified public apology from the Fire Service to Mr Addo, the Class Media Group and journalists across the country, saying the assault caused unnecessary humiliation, trauma and interference with professional duties.
The incident, which occurred while the journalist was covering the fire outbreak, has reignited conversations about the safety of media practitioners at emergency scenes.
Many journalists claim they are increasingly facing hostility from uniformed officers, despite carrying out their work in the public interest.
Mr Dwumfour welcomed the swift condemnation from the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who publicly denounced the actions of the fire personnel involved and assured the public that disciplinary steps would be taken.
He also praised the management of Class Media Group, led by its Chief Executive Officer, Seidu Agongo, for issuing a firm statement in support of their journalist.
The GJA confirmed it would work closely with Class Media Group and the Minister to ensure justice is served.
“Any attempt to shield the perpetrators or trivialise this incident will be fiercely resisted,” Mr Dwumfour said.
