CMG journalist attack: GNFS PRO will have to be fired – Lawyer – Life Pulse Daily

Introduction

On January 5, 2026, a disturbing incident unfolded during the chaotic aftermath of the Kasoa New Market fire in Ghana. A journalist from the Class Media Group (CMG) was physically assaulted by officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), sparking national outrage and raising serious questions about press freedom, constitutional rights, and accountability in Ghana’s public institutions.

The attack, captured on video, showed GNFS firefighters not only manhandling the reporter but also seizing his recording equipment. This act of violence against a media professional performing his constitutional duty has prompted strong condemnation from legal experts and civil society. In this article, we examine the incident in detail, analyze its legal implications, and explore the broader context of press freedom and security in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

The Kasoa New Market Fire Incident

The Kasoa New Market fire on January 5, 2026, was a significant disaster that drew emergency services from across the region. As firefighters battled the blaze, a CMG journalist arrived on the scene to document the response efforts. This is a standard practice for media professionals covering public emergencies and disasters.

The journalist was performing his constitutional duty by gathering information and footage for public consumption. However, his presence and recording activities were met with hostility from GNFS officers, culminating in a physical attack that was captured on video and subsequently shared widely on social media.

Ghana’s Constitutional Framework for Press Freedom

Ghana’s 1992 Constitution provides robust protections for press freedom and the right to information. Article 21(1)(f) explicitly guarantees every person’s right to information, which forms the legal foundation for journalistic activities in the country.

Article 162 of the Constitution further protects freedom and independence of the media, prohibiting censorship and ensuring that media organizations can operate without undue interference from the state or other entities.

GNFS Institutional Context

The Ghana National Fire Service is a paramilitary organization responsible for firefighting, rescue operations, and fire prevention. As a public institution, it operates under the principles of accountability, transparency, and respect for citizens’ rights.

The Public Relations Officer (PRO) position within GNFS is specifically designed to facilitate communication between the service and the public, including the media. This role requires individuals to understand media relations, constitutional rights, and proper conduct when interacting with journalists.

Analysis

Constitutional Violations

The attack on the CMG journalist represents multiple violations of Ghana’s constitutional framework:

• Right to Information (Article 21(1)(f)): By preventing the journalist from recording and gathering information, the GNFS officers directly violated citizens’ constitutional right to be informed about public matters.
• Freedom of Expression (Article 21(1)(a)): The assault constitutes an attempt to suppress free expression and intimidate the press.
• Freedom and Independence of the Media (Article 162): The attack undermines the constitutional protection of media independence.

Legal Implications

From a legal standpoint, the incident involves several criminal offenses:

• Assault: Physical violence against the journalist constitutes assault under Ghanaian law.
• Unlawful Seizure: Taking the journalist’s recording equipment without legal justification violates property rights and potentially constitutes theft or unlawful seizure.
• Obstruction of Justice: If the seized materials contained evidence of official misconduct, the seizure could constitute obstruction of justice.

The Role of the GNFS PRO

The involvement of DO II Desmond Ackah, the GNFS Public Relations Officer, in the attack is particularly troubling. As the individual responsible for managing the service’s relationship with the media, his participation in assaulting a journalist represents a fundamental breach of his professional responsibilities.

Furthermore, his subsequent public defense of the officers’ actions, despite clear video evidence of the assault, demonstrates a lack of understanding of both media relations and constitutional principles.

Broader Implications for Press Freedom

This incident is not isolated but part of a broader pattern of challenges facing journalists in Ghana and globally:

• Intimidation Tactics: Physical attacks on journalists serve to intimidate not just the individual victim but the entire media community.
• Chilling Effect: Such incidents create a chilling effect, potentially discouraging other journalists from covering sensitive topics or challenging official narratives.
• Institutional Culture: The incident raises questions about the culture within certain public institutions regarding their relationship with the media.

Practical Advice

For Journalists

Safety Protocols:

• Always carry press identification and credentials
• Inform colleagues of your location when covering potentially volatile situations
• Consider wearing visible press identification that clearly marks you as media
• Document incidents immediately, including taking photos of any injuries or property damage
• Report attacks to police and relevant media organizations promptly

Legal Rights:

• Know your constitutional rights under Articles 21 and 162
• Understand that you do not need permission to film in public spaces
• Be aware that public officials cannot lawfully seize your equipment without proper legal justification
• Document any attempts to interfere with your work as potential evidence

For Media Organizations

Support Systems:

• Provide safety training for reporters covering emergencies and volatile situations
• Establish protocols for supporting staff who experience attacks or intimidation
• Maintain relationships with legal experts who can provide immediate assistance
• Work with media advocacy groups to ensure proper investigation of attacks
• Consider providing protective equipment for reporters in high-risk situations

For Public Institutions

Media Relations Training:

• Provide comprehensive training on media relations and constitutional rights for all staff
• Establish clear protocols for interacting with journalists during operations
• Ensure that PROs and communication officers understand their roles in facilitating, not obstructing, press activities
• Implement disciplinary measures for staff who violate media rights
• Conduct regular reviews of institutional culture regarding media relations

FAQ

Conclusion

The attack on the CMG journalist by GNFS officers represents a serious violation of constitutional rights, professional ethics, and the rule of law. The involvement of the service’s own Public Relations Officer in the assault underscores the urgent need for comprehensive reform in how public institutions understand and interact with the media.

While the immediate focus should be on ensuring justice for the victim and appropriate disciplinary action for those responsible, this incident should also serve as a catalyst for broader reforms. Public institutions must recognize that a free and independent press is not an adversary but an essential partner in ensuring transparency, accountability, and good governance.

The call for the dismissal of DO II Desmond Ackah is not merely about punishment but about sending a clear message that such behavior is incompatible with public service, particularly in roles responsible for media relations. More importantly, it should prompt a nationwide conversation about the importance of press freedom and the need to protect those who work to inform the public.

As Ghana continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, protecting the rights of journalists and ensuring their safety while performing their constitutional duties must remain a national priority.