GJA Gives GNFS 14 Days to Release Findings of Probe Into Assault on Class Media Journalist The Ghana Journalists Association has directed the Ghana National Fire Service to publicly disclose the findings of its internal investigation into allegations that a journalist was assaulted by its personnel, granting the service a fourteen-day ultimatum to act. The call comes in response to an incident involving Samuel Addo of Class Media Group, who was reportedly attacked and had his mobile phone seized while covering a confrontation between GNFS personnel and local residents during a fire outbreak at Kasoa New Market on Monday, January 6, 2026. Following widespread public concern, the Fire Service announced the formation of an internal committee to investigate the matter. However, speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Wednesday, January 28, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour expressed frustration that the GNFS had not shared the results of its inquiry with the public, leaving questions about accountability unanswered. He emphasized that the lack of transparency undermines public confidence and sets a worrying precedent for the treatment of media personnel in the field. “In light of the foregoing, the Ghana Journalists Association demands a public release of the investigation findings and any sanctions imposed by the Ghana National Fire Service. We are giving the Fire Service a fourteen-day deadline to comply, and should they fail to do so, we will be forced to take decisive measures, including blacklisting,” Mr Dwumfour warned. In addition, the GJA President reiterated his call for the immediate dismissal of the GNFS Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah, citing his defence of the incident and conduct that, according to the association, demonstrated unprofessionalism. He stressed that holding public officials accountable is essential to ensuring both the safety of journalists and the integrity of the Fire Service. The ultimatum marks a significant escalation in the standoff between the GJA and the GNFS, highlighting broader concerns about press freedom, transparency, and the protection of media workers while performing their duties in potentially hazardous and high-tension situations. If you want, I can also tighten this into a short breaking news alert, expand on the potential repercussions for GNFS, or frame it within Ghana’s broader press freedom context.
