The Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA) has warned the leadership of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to restrain its supporters ahead of the party’s upcoming flagbearership contest, stressing that political competition must never be used as a pretext to harass, intimidate or attack journalists.
The Association declared that journalists would not be silenced by threats, abuse or violence, warning that Ghana must never wait for another life to be lost before acting decisively.
The warning follows another reported attack on a journalist with Class FM at Kasoa on Sunday, January 4, 2026, while he was covering a market fire, allegedly by officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
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Addressing a Constitution Day press conference on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra, the President of the GJA, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, described the incidents as disturbing, intolerable and a direct assault on press freedom and Ghana’s democratic order.
“This attack is not only an assault on an individual journalist, but a direct attack on media freedom, the public’s right to information, and Ghana’s democratic order,” Mr. Dwumfour said.
According to the GJA, Mr. Addo was lawfully carrying out his professional duties when he was reportedly beaten. A viral video of the incident allegedly shows fire officers attacking him and civilians with helmets.
“No emergency or security institution has the authority to intimidate, assault or obstruct journalists under the guise of operational control,” Mr. Dwumfour stressed.
The GJA rejected an explanation by the GNFS Public Relations Officer, DO II Desmond Ackah, who claimed that officers only seized the journalist’s phone because he was recording an altercation without permission. The Association described the explanation as untenable, misleading and offensive to basic intelligence.
It stressed that no officer has the authority to confiscate a journalist’s equipment or demand permission for lawful journalistic work at a public emergency scene.
“This explanation betrays a disturbing ignorance of press freedom and the law and reinforces public concerns about institutional attempts to sanitise and justify misconduct rather than confront it with honesty and accountability,” the GJA President said.
The Association called on the Inspector-General of Police to ensure the immediate arrest, thorough investigation and prosecution of all officers involved, insisting that internal disciplinary measures alone would be insufficient.
It further demanded that the Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, publicly condemn the assault, identify the officers involved and apply severe internal sanctions, including dismissal where appropriate. The GJA also called for the removal of the GNFS Public Relations Officer and demanded an unqualified public apology to Mr. Addo, the Class Media Group and the media fraternity.
The GJA commended the Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Mr. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, for publicly condemning the assault and pledging firm action against the perpetrators. It also praised the management and Chief Executive Officer of the Class Media Group, Mr. Seidu Adongo, for their swift response and support for the journalist.
The Association also condemned alleged threats, intimidation and verbal abuse against freelance journalist Mr. Joseph Akrofi Ocansey, formerly of Eagle FM, by the Member of Parliament for Sege, Hon. Daniel Keshie Bessey, and the Sege Constituency NDC Communications Officer, Mr. Freeman Edjeodji.
The incident followed a Facebook post by the journalist calling for accountability in the distribution of security service recruitment slots allocated to the constituency.
According to a formal complaint filed with the GJA, the MP allegedly issued direct, life-threatening threats, including statements about mobilising funds to organise the funeral of the journalist and his parents. The Association described the allegations as reckless, reprehensible and criminal.
The GJA warned that such conduct constitutes a grave assault on press freedom and an attempt to silence journalists through fear.
The Association noted with grave concern that the Sege incident forms part of a dangerous pattern of attacks on journalists in the Ada area, where at least eight cases have been recorded since 2022. It recalled that one journalist, Mr. Noah Dameh, died from injuries sustained while working, underscoring the deadly consequences of unchecked hostility against media practitioners.
The GJA demanded that Parliament immediately initiate appropriate proceedings against Hon. Daniel Keshie Bessey for conduct that brings the House into disrepute. It also called on the National Democratic Congress (NDC) to promptly investigate and sanction Mr. Freeman Edjeodji and the constituency Youth Organiser.
Additionally, the Association urged the Ghana Police Service to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the matter while ensuring the safety of the journalist involved.