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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to publicly brief the nation on punitive measures taken against officers involved in the assault of Class Media Group journalist, Samuel Addo.
The incident occurred at Kasoa while Mr. Addo was carrying out his lawful professional duties. The GJA described the attack as barbaric and unacceptable, stressing that assaults on journalists pose a serious threat to press freedom and democratic accountability.
Addressing a press conference, GJA President Albert Dwumfour said the association expects the Fire Service to release the findings of its internal investigations and clearly state the sanctions imposed on the officers involved.
He further demanded the immediate reassignment of the Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, indicating that the media is no longer prepared to engage with him following his public commentary on the incident.
“We are giving the Ghana National Fire Service 14 days to act on our demands, failing which we will take drastic measures including a media blackout,” Mr. Dwumfour stated.
Mr. Dwumfour disclosed that former President John Dramani Mahama has directed the interdiction of the officers implicated in the assault, a development he said reinforces the need for swift and transparent disciplinary action by the Fire Service.
The GJA warned that failure by the GNFS to comply with its demands within the 14-day period would result in drastic measures, including a nationwide media blackout of the service. The association also revealed that beyond internal disciplinary action, it has initiated legal processes to seek civil and criminal accountability for the perpetrators.
According to the GJA, earlier attempts by the Fire Service to downplay the incident, including claims that the officers were unidentified or that no assault took place, have been contradicted by subsequent developments and official directives.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to protecting journalists and ensuring that anyone who compromises the safety of media practitioners is held fully accountable under the law.
