The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has condemned an assault on a journalist of the Class Media Group, Samuel Addo, by a group of Fire Service personnel who were battling last Sunday's fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market.

A video shared online shows the fire personnel hitting someone with helmets.

Although it is not immediately clear what led to the assault, reports suggest the fire personnel were trying to ward off traders who wanted to enter the Kasoa market during Sunday evening's fire outbreak.

The journalist concerned Samuel Addo has said the incident of the assault happened Monday morning.

He explains he had gone to the scene in the morning to report on the incident and while there, he saw the fire personnel in a seeming altercation with a civilian.

That was when he turned attention to capture the scene and ended up being a victim of assault in the hands of the fire personnel.

The fire personnel who were having exchanges with a trader saw the journalist filming the incident and turned on him.

In a post on X (Twitter ), Mr Kwakye Ofosu condemned the action of the fire personnel, promising swift action by the government.

“The attack on Class Media Group's Samuel Addo by some personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service is most unacceptable and  I condemn same. Firm action will be taken against the rogue elements who carried out this attack, “ he stated

GNFS press statement

In a press statement, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) said the matter was being investigated.

According to the GNFS, the footage captures an altercation that ensued after firefighters were reportedly attacked by a group, including a suspected thief, at the fire scene.

While condemning attacks on its personnel, the Service emphasised that it does not condone any form of physical or verbal assault on civilians by its staff, regardless of provocation.

It said management has constituted an internal committee to investigate the incident and establish all relevant facts. The GNFS urged the public to remain calm and assured that it remains committed to professionalism, accountability, and transparency in its operations.

Explaining in various radio interviews monitored by Graphic Online, DOII David Ackah who speaks for the GNFS said the investigations will establish what really happened at the scene.