The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has expressed deep disappointment over what it describes as the first reported attack on a journalist in 2026, calling the incident a troubling setback to expectations of an assault-free year for media practitioners.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, January 6, following the alleged attack on Class Media Group journalist, Samuel Addo, GJA President Albert Dwumfuor said the Association had entered the year with hope and prayers for improved safety and respect for journalists in the line of duty.

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Mr Dwumfuor described it as disturbing and intolerable that the alleged assault was reportedly carried out by men in uniform, this time from the Ghana National Fire Service.

"While the GJA entered this year with hope and prayers for an attack-free year for journalists, it is deeply disappointing and upsetting that the first reported assault against a journalist in 2026 has allegedly been perpetrated by men in uniform - this time from the Ghana National Fire Service," he said.

"From the Military to the Police, now the Ghana National Fire Service. This development is disturbing and intolerable," Mr Dwumfour added.

He stressed that such developments undermine press freedom and erode public confidence in state institutions, reiterating the Association’s expectation of accountability and concrete measures to protect journalists from attacks, particularly by state actors.