Class Media Group (CMG) has called for a swift and impartial investigation to establish the facts surrounding the alleged assault on one of its journalists at the Kasoa New Market fire scene.

The incident which occurred on Sunday saw fire service personnel brutally assaulting some civilians, including the said CMG journalist.

A statement issued by Seidu Agongo on behalf of CMG and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) said such actions posed a serious threat to press freedom and that those found culpable must be held accountable.

The statement, expressing concerns over the alleged assault by the GNFS, said this could undermine Ghana’s reputation as a defender of media rights.

“The journalist was performing his lawful professional duties at the time of the alleged assault, and the Class Media Group expects full cooperation from all stakeholders to protect journalists in the discharge of their work,” it stated.

The Group appealed to the public and all concerned parties to remain calm while the matter was being addressed.

The Class Media Group said it would continue to engage the appropriate institutions to ensure that the safety and rights of its staff and other media practitioners were upheld.

The Kasoa New Market fire which started around 1600 hours on Sunday was completely extinguished as of 1000 hours, on Monday.

The fire destroyed an unspecified number of metallic and wooden stalls, and their contents, mainly food items.

Through the swift and professional efforts of GNFS personnel, thousands of stalls were salvaged, preventing a massive loss.

No casualty was recorded. Meanwhile, fire tenders from Kasoa and Swedru are on standby to address any possible re-ignition

The cause of the fire is under investigation.