The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called for the immediate dismissal of the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) following the assault of a Class FM journalist during a fire outbreak at Kasoa Market.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour said the incident, which occurred on 4 January, exposed the PRO, DO II Desmond Ackah, as unfit to manage communication for the Fire Service.
“We call for the immediate dismissal or removal of the PRO of the GNFS from the position because our interactions with him on the case show that he is unfit to be in charge of communication for the Fire Service,” Dwumfour said.
The association also demanded an unqualified public apology from the GNFS to Samuel Addo, the Class Media Group, and the wider media community for the professional obstruction, trauma, and humiliation caused by the attack.
Dwumfour praised the government, through the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, for publicly condemning the assault, and confirmed that the GJA would work with Class Media Group and the Ministry to ensure accountability.
“Any attempt to shield the perpetrators or trivialise this incident will be fiercely resisted,” he said, stressing that the protection of journalists and press freedom is non-negotiable.
The GJA’s call follows rising concerns over the safety of journalists covering emergencies and public events in Ghana.
