On January 5, 2026, Samuel Addo, a journalist with the Class Media Group, was assaulted by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) while reporting on the aftermath of a fire outbreak at Kasoa New Market in the Central Region.
According to Addo, he was covering the consequences of the devastating fire that occurred on Sunday, January 4, and was providing follow-up reports the next morning. After filing a report for a morning show, he approached a nearby GNFS station to seek the service’s official comments.
Media reports indicate that as Addo filmed what he perceived to be GNFS officers assaulting a civilian identified as a thief, he was confronted by the personnel. He recounted to Citi News: “They held my neck, pulled my hands behind my back, and assaulted me.” Despite identifying himself as a journalist, approximately ten GNFS officers surrounded him, seized his phone, and physically assaulted him.
His phone was later returned through the intervention of the local Member of Parliament, Phyllis Naa Koryor; however, GHS 10,200 of the GHS 20,000 cash he was carrying was reportedly missing. Addo has filed an official police report, been issued a medical form, and the missing money remains unaccounted for.
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, condemned the attack as “most unacceptable” and assured the public that firm action would be taken against the officers involved once investigations are concluded. He stressed the importance of protecting journalists as they carry out their lawful duties.
The Ghana National Fire Service has acknowledged the incident and confirmed that the Ghana Police Service is leading the investigation. GNFS authorities stated they would fully cooperate to establish the facts and have constituted an internal committee to investigate further. They reiterated their commitment to professionalism and transparency and condemned any physical assault on civilians by their personnel.
This assault marks the first attack on a journalist in 2026 in Ghana, continuing a troubling trend from 2025, during which over 16 journalists were assaulted in the line of duty. Only a few of these cases have seen responses; the case of three environmental journalists assaulted by illegal miners in February 2025 is the only case that has been fully redressed; all other cases remain unresolved or are still under investigation.
The Media Foundation for West Africa strongly condemns the assault and seizure of property from Samuel Addo, who was simply performing his professional duties. We call on the authorities to take responsibility, ensure that the officers involved are held accountable for this clear violation of press freedom, and put an end to the trend of impunity.
