WAES Demands Identification of Interdicted Fire Officers in Journalist Assault Case

The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has called on the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to publicly identify officers interdicted over the alleged assault of journalist Samuel Addo of the Class Media Group, insisting that transparency is essential to accountability and press freedom.

In a statement signed by its Interim President, Mr. Emmanuel K. Dogbevi, and dated January 10, 2026, WAES welcomed reports attributed to President John Dramani Mahama indicating that officers involved in the incident had been interdicted. However, the media advocacy body described the announcement as inadequate and falling short of democratic standards of transparency.

The incident in question occurred on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region, where a video widely circulated on social media showed a group of officers believed to be from the Ghana National Fire Service physically assaulting the journalist while he was covering a fire outbreak.

While acknowledging that the interdiction of the officers was a positive first step, WAES stressed that the public deserves more detailed information, including the identities and number of officers interdicted.

“The information as provided is insufficient and does not meet the standards of transparency required in a democratic system of governance and accountability,” the statement said.

WAES further raised concerns over what it described as contradictory explanations from the Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service. According to the Editors Society, the PRO initially claimed that the journalist was not assaulted but merely had his mobile phone seized for recording an altercation without permission. In another instance, the PRO reportedly stated that the alleged assailants were not members of the Fire Service.

“These inconsistencies make it even more necessary to clearly state who the interdicted officers are and how many of them are involved,” WAES noted, adding that the public has a right to know.

The Editors Society also pointed out that the journalist has reported being assaulted by more than ten officers, making it imperative for authorities to clarify whether the interdictions correspond to the number of alleged assailants.

WAES warned that failure to handle the matter openly could encourage a culture of impunity, particularly within state security and emergency services.

“It is our considered view that impunity thrives and grows in darkness,” the statement said, stressing that transparent handling of the case would enhance accountability and help safeguard journalists in Ghana.

The Society reiterated its commitment to press freedom and urged state institutions to act decisively and openly to ensure the safety of journalists and uphold democratic values.

 

 

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