The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has called on the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and state authorities to publicly identify the officers interdicted in connection with the assault of journalist Samuel Addo of Class Media Group.
In a statement dated January 10, WAES welcomed the news that the officers involved in the attack at the Kasoa new market fire scene on Monday, January 5, 2026, have been interdicted, but stressed that the lack of details on who these officers are and how many have been suspended falls short of the transparency required in a democratic system.
The statement, signed by WAES Interim President Emmanuel Dogbevi, added: “It is the considered view of the West Africa Editors Society that impunity thrives and grows in darkness, and handling this important matter openly will enhance accountability in governance in Ghana, to further ensure the safety of journalists.”
WAES also expressed concern over what they describe as conflicting statements from the GNFS Public Relations Officer. The Society said the GNFS Public Relations Officer initially downplayed the incident, first claiming that the journalist’s mobile phone had merely been seized for recording without permission, and later suggesting that those who allegedly assaulted him were not personnel of the Fire Service.
WAES highlighted that Addo reported being assaulted by more than 10 officers and emphasised that full disclosure is necessary to prevent misinformation and restore public confidence in official processes.
