The West Africa Editors Society (WAES) has called for full disclosure of the identities of Ghana National Fire Service officers involved in the assault of journalist Samuel Amado of Class Media Group, according to a statement released on Friday, January 10, 2026.
The incident, which occurred on Monday, January 5, 2026, at a Kasoa new market fire outbreak scene in the Central Region, shows fire officers assaulting Amado while he was covering the event.
President Nana Akufo-Addo cited that some officers have been interdicted, but WAES says the information provided is insufficient and lacks transparency required in a democratic system.
WAES Interim President Emmanuel K Dogbevi emphasized the public’s right to know the names and number of interdicted officers, noting the Fire Service’s Public Relations Officer claimed only one officer was seized for recording an altercation without permission. The society also questioned why only 10 officers were reportedly involved when the journalist said more were present.
WAES stressed that openness in handling the case will promote accountability in governance and ensure journalist safety in Ghana.
