A reporter with Class Media Group has lodged an official complaint with the police following an alleged assault and theft involving officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region.

The incident reportedly occurred on Monday while the journalist, Samuel Addo, was covering a fire outbreak at the market.

Speaking on the Class Morning Show, Mr. Addo recounted that after providing live updates from the fire scene for a morning programme, he proceeded to a nearby fire station to obtain the GNFS’s version of events.

He said it was there that he witnessed fire service personnel allegedly physically confronting some civilians.

According to Mr. Addo, he decided to record the incident.

He said a young fire officer initially approached him, and after he identified himself as a journalist, the officer walked away.

However, moments later, the situation allegedly escalated.

Mr. Addo claimed that about ten fire officers, including the same individual, advanced towards him, physically restrained him, and assaulted him.

“They grabbed me by the neck, twisted my arms behind my back and beat me,” he alleged.

“My phone was seized, my belt was ripped off, and both items were taken.”

Mr. Addo said his mobile phone was later retrieved through the intervention of the Member of Parliament for the area, Phyllis Naa Koryor.

However, he later discovered that a significant amount of money was missing.

“When I checked my bag, I realised it had been opened.

Out of the GHS20,000 I was carrying, GHS10,200 was missing,” he stated.

He confirmed that the matter has been formally reported to the police and that he has been issued a medical report form. Mr. Addo added that he is currently receiving medical treatment, but the missing cash has yet to be recovered.

Police have since begun investigations into the incident.

The alleged attack has reignited public debate about the safety of journalists, particularly when covering emergencies and other tense situations, as well as concerns over the conduct of state emergency personnel during operations.