Alhaji Seidu Agongo has condemned the assault of a Class Media Group journalist by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service, describing the incident as a stain on the discipline and core mandate of the Service.
In a statement responding to videos circulating on social media, Mr. Agongo said the footage, which shows uniformed firefighters physically attacking an unarmed journalist, was disturbing and unacceptable in a democratic society that upholds press freedom and the rule of law.
He assured the assaulted journalist of full medical care and legal support, stressing that Class Media Group will stand firmly with its staff to ensure a thorough investigation and that justice is served.
Mr. Agongo also expressed appreciation to media houses and members of the public who have spoken out against the incident, noting that the silence from Fire Service management was concerning. He, however, expressed confidence in the Ghana Police Service to act professionally.
He called on the police to conduct an impartial investigation and publicly prosecute those responsible, emphasizing that the issue extends beyond one journalist and touches on the protection of citizens’ rights and Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of press freedom.
Full Statement by Alhaji Seidu Agongo:
“Today, I want to express my deepest concern over the unfortunate attack on one of our journalists by uniformed personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service. This incident is a blot on the discipline, integrity, and core mandate of protecting lives and property that their training and calling require.
The videos circulating are deeply disturbing. They show firefighters, in full service uniform, beating an innocent journalist – a fellow citizen – with rage and fury. Such conduct has no place in a democratic society that values law, order, and press freedom.
Let me assure our reporter of the best possible medical care and legal support. Class Media Group will stand firmly behind him to ensure those responsible are duly punished.
We also thank our fellow media houses and all well-meaning Ghanaians for calling out the Fire Service on this matter. The silence of the Fire Service management is loud enough, but we are confident the Ghana Police Service will live up to its mandate.
We therefore call on the Ghana Police Service to investigate this incident impartially and bring the perpetrators to book publicly. This is not just about one journalist—it is about safeguarding the rights of all citizens and preserving Ghana’s reputation as a beacon of press freedom.”
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