The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has demanded the immediate dismissal of the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), accusing him of unprofessional conduct in the wake of the alleged assault on a Class FM journalist.
Addressing the media at a Constitutional Day briefing, Mr Dwumfour said he reached out to the GNFS PRO, DO II Desmond Ackah, to seek clarification on the reported assault of Class Media Group journalist, Samuel Addo, who was covering the Kasoa New Market fire incident.
He stated that the PRO’s response was not only unsatisfactory but also highly unprofessional, raising doubts about his competence and credibility.
As a result, he called on journalists across the country to discontinue engagements with the GNFS PRO, describing him as unsuitable to represent the Service.
Mr Dwumfour also urged the Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, to issue a formal and public apology to Samuel Addo. He criticised a statement released by the GNFS, claiming it was misleading, contradictory, and appeared to protect the personnel allegedly involved in the assault rather than promote transparency and accountability.
The GJA President reiterated that the Association is demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of all individuals implicated in the attack.
He warned against any attempt to trivialise the incident, stressing that assaults on journalists threaten press freedom and weaken democratic governance.
According to him, the GJA will pursue the matter fully, as ensuring the safety and protection of journalists remains a non-negotiable priority.
