The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has condemned the alleged assault of a journalist by some of its personnel following an incident at a fire scene in Kasoa New Market.
The condemnation follows reports that a Class Media Group journalist, Samuel Addo, was physically confronted while covering a chaotic scene during the fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market on Monday, January 5.
Reports indicate that the journalist was allegedly manhandled by some fire service officers who attempted to prevent him from filming the scene.
According to Samuel Addo, despite identifying himself as a journalist, the officers allegedly seized his phone and physically manhandled him.
A video circulating online shows footage captured moments before the alleged assault.
In a statement issued on January 5, the Ghana National Fire Service assured the public of its full cooperation with investigations to establish the facts surrounding the incident.
“The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has taken note of a viral video circulating on social media which allegedly shows some yet-to-be-identified Fire Service personnel assaulting a civilian whose identity has not been established.”
“The Service confirms that the alleged assault of a journalist is under police investigation, and that GNFS will fully cooperate to establish the facts.”
The Service however clarified that the video circulating online captures an altercation between firefighters and a suspected thief, who they said earlier attacked the firefighters at the fire scene.
“The video captures an altercation between firefighters and a suspected thief, who had earlier attacked firefighters along with a group of accomplices at the fire scene.”
“Management of the Service has constituted a committee to investigate the incident thoroughly and establish all relevant facts,” the statement assured.
The GNFS also urged the public to remain calm and exercise restraint while investigations are ongoing.
The Service further stated that while it condemns attacks on its personnel, it equally frowns upon any form of physical or verbal assault on civilians by its staff, regardless of provocation.
“GNFS remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in the discharge of its mandate and will continue to cooperate with the media and relevant authorities to ensure accurate public information,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, the alleged incident has drawn public condemnation, including from the Member of Parliament for Abura Asebu Kwamankese, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who criticised the conduct in a post on X.
The fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market occurred on January 4, 2026. According to the Ghana National Fire Service, a distress call was received at 4:50 p.m., and the first fire tender from the Kasoa Fire Station arrived at the scene within eight minutes..
