West African editors demand probe into alleged assault on Kasoa reporter
In a statement released on Monday, 5 January, the group said it was “deeply disturbed” by a widely shared video that appears to show fire officers attacking Samuel Addo of Class Media Group.
The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has called for an immediate inquiry into claims that officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) assaulted a journalist covering a fire at Kasoa New Market in the Central Region.
In a statement released on Monday, 5 January, the group said it was “deeply disturbed” by a widely shared video that appears to show fire officers attacking Samuel Addo of Class Media Group. The incident is said to have occurred on Monday morning, a day after a blaze ripped through parts of the market on 4 January 2026.
Mr Addo told WAES he had gone back to the scene to do follow-up reporting when about ten fire officers allegedly confronted him, seized his phone and beat him, even after he identified himself as a journalist.
“I have reported the matter to the police and have been given a medical form to seek treatment,” he said.
WAES described the alleged attack as a direct affront to press freedom and urged the authorities to take the matter seriously.
Interim President Emmanuel K. Dogbevi warned that violence against journalists undermines democratic accountability.
The society has asked both the Ghana Police Service and the GNFS to conduct a full and impartial investigation and make their findings public.
GNFS Public Relations Officer Desmond Ackah, speaking to Starr FM, reportedly said the officers only took away Mr Addo’s phone because he was filming an altercation without permission.
WAES rejected that justification, insisting reporters are not required to seek prior consent before recording in public spaces.
“By now, security personnel in Ghana should understand that journalism is essential to a modern, progressive society and must stop targeting journalists who are simply carrying out their duties,” Mr Dogbevi added.
The case has reignited concerns about the safety of journalists, particularly those who cover emergency responses and security operations, and WAES has urged state institutions to ensure that any officers found culpable are held to account.
