Former Member of Parliament for Okaikwei North, Issah Fuseini, has endorsed the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA) decision to impose a media blackout on the Ghana National Fire Service, describing the move as appropriate following the alleged assault of a journalist by fire service personnel.

Issah Fuseini stressed the need to protect media independence and ensure accountability for attacks on journalists in the line of duty.

“The media is something I hold sacrosanct, and when such issues arise, they must be investigated thoroughly, and anyone found culpable should be held responsible,” he said.

He described the GJA’s decision to suspend engagement with the Fire Service as “a step in the right direction” until the matter is fully resolved.

Issah Fuseini also called for professional bodies such as the GJA to be insulated from political interference, insisting that individuals who attack or abuse journalists must face the full rigour of the law.

“We have come a long way, and we must protect the people,” he said on Channel One TV, underscoring the importance of safeguarding press freedom in Ghana’s democratic journey.

On Wednesday, January 28, the GJA issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Ghana National Fire Service, demanding the public release of findings from investigations into the alleged assault, as well as details of any disciplinary action taken against the officers involved.

The Association warned that failure to comply could lead to tougher sanctions, including a complete media blackout of the Service.

The incident involves Samuel Addo, a journalist with the Class Media Group, who was allegedly assaulted by fire service officers while covering a fire outbreak at the Kasoa New Market in the Central Region on Monday, January 5, 2026.

Video footage of the incident, which has since gone viral, shows the journalist being manhandled amid a chaotic scene, with officers reportedly shouting at him to stop filming.