The Global Media Foundation (GloMeF), anti-corruption, human rights and media advocacy Non-Governmental Organisation has condemned assault on a media practitioner working with the Class Media by some officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

They commended President John Dramani Mahama for his prompt response and ordering an independent investigation into the assaults.

The foundation gave the condemnation in a statement issued and signed by Mr Raphael Godlove Ahenu, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, the GloMeF and copied to Sompa FM in Sunyani.

It followed the circulation of a viral video showing some personnel of the GNFS assaulting the journalist, which has since received public condemnation, with media experts and organisations calling for the interdiction of the fire personnel.

“This barbarous act is unacceptable, unprofessional, and wholly inconsistent with the mandate of any state security institution sworn to protect lives, property, and the rule of law”, it stated.

The statement said: “Violence against journalists performing their lawful duties is an affront to press freedom and a direct threat to Ghana’s democratic credentials”.
“In fact, GloMeF joins other well-meaning Ghanaians in denouncing this barbaric conduct.
Journalists are public-interest workers whose safety must be guaranteed at all times. Any attempt to intimidate, manhandle, or brutalize media practitioners undermines transparency, accountability and citizens’ right to information as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution”, the statement indicated.

Sompaonline.com/K.Peprah