A journalist with Class Media, Samuel Addo, has reported to the police that he was allegedly assaulted and robbed by officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) while covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market.
The incident occurred last week as Mr Addo was reporting on the fire for a morning programme. In an interview, he explained that after filing his initial report from the scene, he proceeded to the local fire station to obtain the official account from the GNFS.
According to Mr Addo, upon arriving at the station, he witnessed fire service personnel allegedly assaulting civilians. He said he began recording the incident and identified himself as a journalist when approached by one of the officers, who initially walked away.
Moments later, the situation reportedly escalated. Mr Addo said about ten officers, including the same individual, confronted him, restrained him and physically assaulted him. He alleged that his mobile phone and belt were taken during the encounter.
Although his phone was later retrieved through the intervention of the Member of Parliament for the area, Phyllis Naa Koryor, Mr Addo said he later realised that a large sum of money was missing.
“After the incident, I noticed my bag had been opened, and when I checked, GHS10,200 was missing from the GHS20,000 I was carrying,” he said.
Mr Addo confirmed that he has been issued a police medical report form and is seeking medical attention. He added that the missing cash has not yet been recovered but the matter has been fully reported to the police.
The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of journalists while performing their duties, particularly in tense situations, as well as the conduct of uniformed personnel during public operations. Police investigations into the matter are ongoing.
