Samuel Addo, a journalist with Class Media Group, has alleged that he lost GH¢10,200 in cash during an alleged assault by personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) while covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market.
Mr Addo has officially reported the incident to the police and detailed his account in an interview with Citi News.
According to the journalist, the incident occurred after he visited the fire scene to seek the GNFS’s version of events following an initial report on a morning show. Upon arrival, he observed fire officers allegedly assaulting civilians and decided to film the scene.
“I decided to capture the scene,” Mr Addo recounted.
“As I was filming, a young fire service personnel approached me. I introduced myself as a media person, and he walked away. A few minutes later, about 10 of them, including the same officer, came toward me. They held my neck, pulled my hands behind my back, and assaulted me.
“They took my phone, tore my belt, and took both away. Later, I realised my bag was open, and upon checking, I discovered that GH¢10,200 was missing from the GH¢20,000 I had with me.”
Mr Addo stated that his mobile phone was later returned through the intervention of the Member of Parliament for the area, Phyllis Naa Koryoo Okunor. He has been issued a police medical form and is proceeding to a hospital for treatment.
“The money is still missing. I have reported everything to the police,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, the GNFS has issued a statement acknowledging the viral video, confirming that the matter is under police investigation, and announcing the formation of an internal committee to probe the allegations.