An advocacy group aligned with the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has strongly condemned what it describes as an unwarranted attack by the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) following a recent incident involving a journalist and GNFS personnel at a fire scene in Kasoa in the Central Region.
In a press release, the group expressed “profound concern and disappointment” over public statements made by the GJA President regarding an alleged assault on a journalist from Class Media Group during firefighting operations.
According to the group, GNFS has already issued an official statement clarifying that the journalist was not assaulted.
The advocacy group maintained that the actions taken by GNFS personnel at the scene were in line with standard operating procedures, explaining that the journalist’s mobile phone was confiscated after he allegedly disregarded safety instructions and endangered himself and others.
The group criticised the GJA President for what it described as defamatory remarks against GNFS, accusing him of making conclusions without a thorough investigation.
It further described the call for the dismissal of GNFS Public Relations Officer as “unwarranted” and damaging.
While stressing the importance of press freedom, the group urged the GJA to ensure that journalists operate professionally and within the confines of the law, especially at emergency scenes.
It emphasised that GNFS has a duty to protect its personnel, equipment and the public, and condemned any form of intimidation or harassment against firefighters while on duty.
The advocacy group also raised concerns about the safety of fire officers, stating that records show more than 20 attacks on fire personnel within the past year.
It warned that continued attacks on firefighters would not be tolerated, insisting that GNFS personnel deserve respect and protection.
Describing the GJA’s stance as a misplacement of priorities, the group argued that attention should rather be focused on broader fire safety challenges in Ghana, including inadequate logistics and equipment.
It noted that Kasoa, as a densely populated area, requires improved fire coverage, which is currently constrained by limited resources.
The group is demanding an immediate retraction and apology from the GJA President over the comments made against GNFS.
It further warned that any sanctions against GNFS Public Relations Officer would trigger industrial action, including protests by fire service personnel.
“We demand change. We demand respect for our personnel. And we demand better logistics and equipment to combat fires,” the statement concluded.
