A journalist with the Class Media Group (CMG), Samuel Addo, has recounted a disturbing ordeal in which he was allegedly assaulted by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) while on duty at the Kasoa Market.

Speaking in an interview on Accra 100.5  FM’s Ghana Yɛnsom morning show hosted by Chief Jerry Forson, Mr. Addo narrated events leading up to the alleged attack, which occurred after a fire outbreak at the busy market.

According to him, after completing a live report on the incident, he decided to approach fire service officials to seek clarification on the possible cause of the fire.

He explained that Kasoa Market is expansive and crowded, and he had initially been reporting from inside the market where many traders were gathered.

After interacting with traders during the live broadcast, he moved out to the area where the fire tender had been stationed, hoping to speak with the officer in charge.

While heading towards the fire tender, Mr. Addo said he noticed fire service personnel allegedly dragging some civilians from a distance.

He claimed the civilians were handled “like thieves” and taken to a spot near the fire tender, where they were reportedly forced into mud and assaulted.

Mr. Addo further alleged that anyone who attempted to record the scene was also targeted.

“If you were present and taking a video, they would assault you as well,” he said during the interview.

He explained that he began recording the incident from within the market and later moved closer as the alleged assault on the civilians continued.

During this time, a young fire service officer approached him and questioned why he was taking videos.

Mr. Addo said he identified himself as a media professional, after which the officer walked away.

Moments later, he claimed the fire service personnel stopped assaulting the civilians and instead turned their attention to him.

“About ten fire service personnel moved towards me and started assaulting me,” he alleged.

He added that they struggled with him and forcibly took his mobile phone.

Mr. Addo also mentioned that one of the individuals involved appeared to be a bodyguard attached to the team.

After managing to get away from the crowd, the journalist said he realized he had lost a significant amount of money during the incident, including an additional GHS200 cash.

The alleged assault has sparked public concern, with calls for the Ghana National Fire Service to investigate the incident and ensure accountability, particularly regarding the safety of journalists and civilians during emergency operations.