A media advocacy group, the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), has described the assault on the Class Media Group reporter, Samuel Addo, by some officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), as an affront to press freedom and a direct threat to the country’s democratic credentials.
GloMeF, a media advocacy organisation with its headquarters in Sunyani in the Bono Region, strongly condemned the act of the officers, describing their actions as “unprofessional and unacceptable.”
Unprofessional
In a press statement issued and signed by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Raphael Godlove Ahenu, said “the act is unacceptable, unprofessional, and wholly inconsistent with the mandate of any state security institution sworn to protect lives, property and the rule of law.
“Violence against journalists performing their lawful duties is an affront to press freedom and a direct threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials,” it said.
The statement emphasised that journalists were public-interest workers whose safety must be guaranteed at all times.
It explained that any attempt to intimidate, manhandle or brutalise media practitioners undermined transparency, accountability and citizens’ constitutional right to information as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
“Such conduct violates professional standards, internal service regulations and Ghana’s obligations under international human rights instruments protecting freedom of expression and freedom of the press,” it added.
Appreciate government
The statement, however, commended the government for its prompt condemnation of the incident and called for an independent investigation with appropriate sanctions.
It urged the government and relevant oversight bodies to ensure a transparent, time-bound investigation that results in accountability and meaningful institutional reforms to prevent a recurrence of such incidents.
The statement further expressed concern that the incident formed part of a broader pattern of attacks against journalists in the country.
It cited previous incidents, including attacks on journalists covering election-related disturbances at Ayawaso West Wuogon, the brutalisation of reporters during security operations and demolition exercises in Accra and Kumasi, as well as assaults on broadcast and community journalists reporting on protests and enforcement activities.
“These cases reflect a troubling pattern of impunity that must be decisively addressed,” the statement stressed.
Media blackout
As part of its demands, GloMeF called on the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) and the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) to impose a one-year total media blackout on any security agency or political party assaulting journalists in the line of duty.
The statement argued that such collective action would demonstrate solidarity with victims, deter future abuses and reinforce professional respect for the media.
It also called for mandatory human rights and media-relations training for all security agencies and the establishment of clear operational protocols guaranteeing the safety of accredited journalists.
Additionally, the statement called for swift compensation and medical support for affected journalists.
“Violence against the press must end without exception,” the statement said.
Background
The reporter was said to have been assaulted by a group of GNFS personnel, who were responding to a fire incident at the Kasoa New Market, last Sunday.
A video that has since circulated widely on social media showed fire service personnel using their helmets to hit an individual at the scene.
The precise circumstances that triggered the assault remain unclear.
However, reports suggest that tensions escalated when fire officers attempted to prevent traders from re-entering the market area during efforts to control the fire.
Writer’s email: biiya.ali@graphic.com.gh