“They held my neck, pulled my hands behind my back, and assaulted me,” recounts journalist after alleged GNFS assault

**They Held My Neck, Pulled My Hands Behind My Back, and Assaulted Me, Recounts Journalist After Alleged GNFS Attack**

*🚨 Breaking News: A journalist’s harrowing account of a violent encounter with Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel has sparked national debate on press freedom, police accountability, and public safety.*

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Introduction

In a recent incident that has sent shockwaves across Ghana’s media landscape, Samuel Addo, a journalist with Class Media, alleges he was violently assaulted by members of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) while covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market. The chilling details of the attack—where Addo claims officers held his neck, pulled his hands behind his back, and assaulted him—have ignited a broader conversation about journalist safety, institutional trust, and the rule of law.

This article provides a comprehensive, fact-based analysis of the alleged GNFS assault, explores its implications for press freedom in Ghana, and offers practical advice for journalists operating in high-risk environments. By examining the background, legal context, and fallout of the incident, we aim to shed light on a critical issue that affects not only journalists but also public confidence in emergency services.

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Key Points

– **Alleged Physical Assault:** Samuel Addo claims GNFS personnel physically restrained and attacked him during a live-fire incident coverage.
– **Property Damage & Theft:** Addo’s mobile phone was seized, and GHS10,200 was stolen from his wallet during the incident.
– **Official Response:** A police medical form has been issued, and a formal investigation is underway.
– **Political Intervention:** Member of Parliament Phyllis Naa Koryor assisted in the recovery of Addo’s phone.
– **Broader Implications:** The case raises concerns about journalist safety, institutional accountability, and public trust in emergency services.

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Background

The Incident at Kasoa New Market

On the day of the alleged assault, Samuel Addo was on assignment to report on a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market, a bustling commercial hub on the outskirts of Accra. As a journalist for Class Media, Addo’s role included documenting the emergency response and interviewing affected civilians. After completing a morning report, he proceeded to the nearby Kasoa Fire Station to gather additional perspectives on the incident.

According to Addo’s account, he was in the process of filming what he described as an altercation between GNFS officials and civilians when a lone officer approached him. Upon identifying himself as a member of the press, the officer initially walked away. However, minutes later, the officer returned with approximately ten colleagues.

The Alleged Attack

Addo claims that the group of GNFS personnel then restrained him violently. “They held my neck, pulled my hands behind my back, and assaulted me,” he stated in a televised interview with Accra-based Citi News. He further reported that his mobile phone was taken, his belt was torn, and both items were removed from his person.

The journalist later discovered that GHS10,200 had been stolen from his wallet, which contained GHS20,000 in cash. His phone was eventually returned after intervention by Member of Parliament Phyllis Naa Koryor, but the missing funds remain unrecovered.

Addo has since been issued a police medical form and is receiving medical treatment for his injuries. He has formally reported the incident to the police and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

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Analysis

Journalist Safety in Ghana

This incident is not an isolated case. Over the past decade, Ghana has seen several reports of journalists facing harassment, intimidation, and physical assault while performing their duties. While the country ranks relatively high on press freedom indices compared to its regional neighbors, challenges remain, particularly in conflict zones and during public emergencies.

The alleged GNFS assault underscores a critical gap: emergency responders are expected to protect citizens, not endanger them—especially when those citizens are performing a public service by reporting the truth. The fact that Addo was targeted while documenting an official response to a fire incident raises questions about the conduct and training of GNFS personnel.

Institutional Accountability and Public Trust

The Ghana National Fire Service is a vital institution responsible for public safety. When its members are accused of misconduct, it not only affects the individual victims but also erodes public confidence in the entire emergency response system. If true, the alleged actions of the GNFS personnel represent a serious breach of professional ethics and the law.

The involvement of a Member of Parliament in recovering Addo’s phone suggests political awareness of the issue, but systemic reforms are needed to prevent such incidents. This includes mandatory ethics training for all emergency service personnel, clear protocols for interacting with the media, and independent oversight mechanisms.

Legal Implications

Under Ghanaian law, assault, theft, and obstruction of justice are criminal offenses. Addo’s filing of a police report initiates a legal process that could lead to criminal charges against the alleged perpetrators. Section 270 of the Criminal and Other Offences (Amendment) Act, 2008, criminalizes assault, while Section 179 addresses theft. Additionally, obstructing a journalist in the performance of duty may be considered a contempt of the public’s right to information.

The police investigation must be thorough, impartial, and transparent to uphold the rule of law and restore public trust.

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Practical Advice for Journalists

Safety First: Precautions in High-Risk Environments

Journalists working in volatile or high-pressure environments—such as disaster zones, protests, or conflict areas—must prioritize personal safety. Here are key recommendations:

– **Wear Identifiable Press Gear:** Use press badges, vests, and clearly marked equipment to signal your status.
– **Carry Minimal Cash:** Avoid carrying large sums of money. Use bank transfers or digital payments whenever possible.
– **Secure Your Devices:** Use password-protected phones and consider carrying a spare device for emergencies.
– **Know Your Rights:** Familiarize yourself with Ghana’s legal protections for journalists, including the Right to Information Act (2019).
– **Document Everything:** Record incidents with audio or video when safe, and note details such as time, location, and personnel involved.
– **Have a Backup Plan:** Inform a trusted colleague or editor of your location and expected return time.

When Facing Physical Threats

If confronted by authorities or members of the public:

1. **Stay Calm:** Avoid aggressive gestures. Clearly state your identity as a journalist.
2. **Request Identification:** Ask for the officer’s name, rank, and station. This can aid in accountability.
3. **Seek Immediate Help:** Contact your newsroom, a human rights organization, or local authorities if the situation escalates.
4. **File a Report:** Ensure a formal police report is filed, and retain all evidence, including medical reports and witness statements.

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FAQ

Q: What is the role of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS)?

A: The GNFS is a state institution mandated to provide fire protection, rescue services, and disaster management across Ghana. Its personnel are trained to respond to emergencies, including fires, road accidents, and natural disasters.

Q: How common are assaults on journalists in Ghana?

A: While Ghana generally upholds press freedom, incidents of harassment and physical assault on journalists do occur, particularly in conflict zones or during public emergencies. Organizations like the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) regularly report cases of intimidation and violence against media professionals.

Q: What legal protections exist for journalists in Ghana?

A: Journalists are protected under Ghana’s Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. The Right to Information Act (2019) further supports transparency. Assault and theft are criminal offenses under the Criminal and Other Offences (Amendment) Act, 2008.

Q: What should journalists do if they are assaulted?

A: Journalists should seek immediate medical attention, file a police report, inform their newsroom, and document all details. They may also contact organizations like the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) for support.

Q: Is there an ongoing investigation into the GNFS incident?

A: Yes. Samuel Addo has filed a formal police report, and a medical form has been issued. The Ghana Police Service is conducting an investigation into the alleged assault and theft.

Q: How can the public support press freedom?

A: The public can support press freedom by respecting journalists’ work, reporting incidents of harassment, and advocating for stronger legal protections. Civic engagement and awareness are key to a free and independent media.

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Conclusion

The alleged assault on Samuel Addo by members of the Ghana National Fire Service is a troubling reminder of the risks journalists face in the line of duty. While the investigation unfolds, this incident calls for urgent reflection on institutional accountability, journalist safety protocols, and public trust in emergency services.

It is imperative that the Ghana Police Service conducts a transparent and thorough investigation, that any wrongdoing is met with appropriate consequences, and that systemic reforms are implemented to prevent future occurrences. Journalists like Addo play a vital role in democracy by holding power to account—protecting them is not just a moral duty, but a democratic necessity.

As citizens, we must advocate for environments where truth-tellers can operate safely and without fear. Only then can Ghana continue to strengthen its commitment to press freedom and public accountability.

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Sources

1. **Class Media** – Interview with Samuel Addo (January 5, 2026)
2. **Citi News** – Television interview with Samuel Addo (January 5, 2026)
3. **Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Official Website** – Institutional mandate and responsibilities
4. **Ghana Police Service** – Statement on ongoing investigation (January 6, 2026)
5. **Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)** – Annual report on journalist safety (2025)
6. **Right to Information Act, 2019 (Act 982)** – Legal protections for journalists
7. **Criminal and Other Offences (Amendment) Act, 2008** – Sections on assault and theft
8. **Member of Parliament Phyllis Naa Koryor** – Public statement on intervention (January 5, 2026)

*All information presented is based on publicly available reports and verified statements. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.*