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

Introduction

In a disturbing incident that has reignited concerns about press freedom and police conduct in Ghana, journalist Samuel Addo of Class Media has come forward with a chilling account of violence allegedly perpetrated by officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). The attack occurred on January 5, 2026, while Addo was covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region of Ghana.

Addo’s experience highlights a growing pattern of threats and physical assaults against journalists in Ghana, underscoring the urgent need for stronger protections for media professionals working in the public interest. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the incident, its context, and its broader implications for journalism and public safety in Ghana.

Key Points

Background

The Role of Journalists in Disaster Coverage

Journalists play a critical role in informing the public during emergencies such as fires, floods, and other disasters. Their work ensures that citizens receive timely, accurate information about safety measures, rescue operations, and official responses. However, this essential function often places them in potentially dangerous situations, particularly when they attempt to document actions by security forces.

In Ghana, the media environment has generally been regarded as one of the freest in Africa. However, there have been increasing reports of intimidation, harassment, and physical attacks against journalists, particularly during coverage of sensitive or controversial events.

Previous Incidents of Violence Against Journalists in Ghana

This is not the first time a Ghanaian journalist has faced violence while on assignment. Over the past decade, there have been several documented cases of attacks on media personnel:

• 2021: A journalist was assaulted while covering a political rally in Accra
• 2022: A cameraman was injured during coverage of post-election violence
• 2023: Several journalists reported threats and intimidation while investigating corruption cases

These incidents have raised concerns among media advocacy groups about the safety of journalists and the need for stronger legal protections.

The Mandate of the Ghana National Fire Service

The GNFS is a paramilitary organization responsible for firefighting, rescue operations, and fire safety education in Ghana. Established in 1957, the service operates under the Ministry of the Interior and is tasked with protecting lives and property from fire and other emergencies.

The GNFS also has responsibilities related to disaster management and public safety education. While their primary mandate is rescue and prevention, officers are sometimes called upon to manage crowds and maintain order during emergencies, which can lead to confrontations with the public.

Analysis

The Escalation of Violence

According to Addo’s account, the violence began after he attempted to document what he described as an altercation between GNFS officers and civilians at the fire station. Initially, a single officer approached him, but after Addo identified himself as a member of the media, the officer walked away.

“They held my neck, pulled my hands behind my back, and assaulted me,” Addo recounted in an interview with Citi News. “They took my phone, tore my belt, and took both away.”

The situation escalated when the officer returned with approximately ten colleagues, leading to the physical assault and theft of Addo’s belongings. This pattern of escalation—from initial contact to group violence—is particularly concerning and suggests a breakdown in protocol and discipline.

Legal and Ethical Implications

The alleged assault raises several important legal and ethical questions:

• Freedom of the Press: Journalists have the right to report on public events, including those involving security forces, without fear of retaliation.
• Police Brutality: The use of excessive force by security personnel is a violation of both national laws and international human rights standards.
• Accountability: Security forces must be held accountable for their actions, particularly when they involve violence against civilians.

The Role of Parliamentary Intervention

The intervention of Phyllis Naa Koryor, the Member of Parliament for the area, was crucial in securing the return of Addo’s phone. This highlights both the importance of political oversight and the concerning reality that journalists may need high-level intervention to secure their basic rights.

Koryor’s involvement also underscores the role of elected officials in protecting constituents and ensuring that security forces operate within the bounds of the law.

Broader Implications for Press Freedom in Ghana

This incident occurs within a broader context of challenges to press freedom in Ghana and across Africa. While Ghana has traditionally been regarded as having one of the freest media environments on the continent, there are growing concerns about:

• Increasing incidents of violence against journalists
• Attempts to restrict media coverage through legal and extralegal means
• A culture of impunity for those who attack media professionals

Practical Advice

For Journalists Working in High-Risk Environments

While no journalist should have to work in fear, there are practical steps that media professionals can take to enhance their safety:

1. Always Identify Yourself: Clearly display press credentials and identify yourself as media when approaching security forces or other officials.
2. Travel in Pairs: Whenever possible, work with a colleague or team member, particularly in potentially volatile situations.
3. Document Everything: Keep detailed notes and recordings of interactions with security forces, including names, badge numbers, and vehicle registrations when possible.
4. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with national and international laws protecting press freedom and the rights of journalists.
5. Establish Contacts: Build relationships with legal aid organizations, media advocacy groups, and law enforcement officials who can provide support if needed.
6. Use Technology Safely: Utilize secure communication methods and backup important footage and documents to cloud storage or secondary devices.

For News Organizations

Media organizations have a responsibility to protect their staff:

• Provide comprehensive safety training for all reporters
• Ensure adequate insurance coverage for staff working in high-risk situations
• Establish clear protocols for covering sensitive stories involving security forces
• Advocate for the rights of journalists at both national and international levels
• Support legal action against those who attack or threaten staff members

For the Public

Citizens can play a role in protecting press freedom:

• Support independent media through subscriptions and engagement
• Report incidents of violence against journalists to authorities
• Advocate for stronger legal protections for media professionals
• Challenge misinformation and support fact-based reporting
• Engage with media literacy programs to better understand the role of journalism in democracy

FAQ

Conclusion

The alleged assault on journalist Samuel Addo represents a serious violation of press freedom and human rights. It underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for journalists in Ghana and across Africa. While Addo’s case has received significant attention due to the intervention of a Member of Parliament, many other incidents of violence against journalists go unreported or unpunished.

The incident at the Kasoa fire station should serve as a wake-up call for authorities, media organizations, and the public. Press freedom is not just about the right to publish stories—it’s about the safety of those who gather the news, often at great personal risk.

As Ghana continues to develop its democratic institutions, it must also strengthen its commitment to protecting those who hold power to account. This includes ensuring that security forces operate with transparency and accountability, and that journalists can perform their vital role without fear of violence or retribution.

The investigation into this incident must be thorough and transparent, and those responsible must be held accountable under the law. Only then can Ghana reaffirm its commitment to press freedom and the rule of law.