1. A journalist with Class Media has formally reported an alleged assault and robbery by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service while covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market.

    Samuel Addo said the incident occurred last week during his coverage of a fire at the market. According to his account, he had earlier reported from the scene for a morning programme and later went to the local fire station to seek the official position of the fire service on the incident.

    In an interview with Citi News, Addo said that upon arriving at the fire station, he witnessed what he described as fire service personnel assaulting civilians. He said he decided to record what he was seeing.

    Addo said a young officer approached him while he was filming, and he identified himself as a journalist. He said the officer initially walked away, but returned minutes later with others.

    According to Addo, about ten fire service personnel then confronted him, restrained him, and assaulted him. He said his phone was taken from him during the altercation and his belt was torn off. He said both items were seized by the officers at the time.

    Addo said his mobile phone was later returned following the intervention of the area’s Member of Parliament, Phyllis Naa Koryor. However, he said he later discovered that a large sum of money was missing.

    He told Citi News that he had GHS20,000 in his bag at the time of the incident, but upon checking later, realised that GHS10,200 could not be accounted for. He said the bag appeared to have been opened.

    Addo confirmed that he has reported the matter to the police and has been issued a police medical form to seek treatment at a hospital. He said the missing cash has not been recovered.

    Police have not publicly commented on the specific allegations as of the time of reporting. It remains unclear whether the fire service personnel involved have been identified or invited for questioning.

    The incident has renewed concerns about the safety of journalists while performing their duties, particularly during emergency situations involving security or state agencies. Investigations are ongoing, and the allegations remain subject to police inquiry.