In a surprising turn of events, 23 personnel from the West Akim Municipal Fire Service allegedly stormed the premises of Nkonim FM, a radio station based in Asamankese in Ghana's Eastern Region, leading to a heated confrontation with station staff, including the host, his guest, and the station manager. This unusual visit was reportedly led by four senior officers, who, along with a group of junior officers, entered the station to voice grievances over what they claimed to be “misinformation” broadcasted by the station.
The incident occurred during a live morning show segment called "Mmasem Nie," hosted by Eric Gagba, who was in discussion with a guest, Albert Obiri-Yeboah. According to the fire service team, they had been misrepresented in a recent report by the station about a fire incident in Asamankese, and they were there to demand accountability. The senior officers, including F.M. Ampofo Lotus and Godwin Myers, allegedly disregarded protocol and directly entered the studio, where they verbally confronted Gagba and his guest, questioning their professional ethics and accusing them of disseminating misleading information to the public.
According to Nkonim FM’s Human Resource Manager, Mensah Atakora, the scene quickly turned hostile. The personnel ignored his instructions to follow the station’s protocol, which included registering in the visitor’s logbook and following standard procedures for lodging complaints. Instead, they forcibly entered the station’s studio and surrounded key points within the building, including the entrance and reception areas. Atakora described the tense situation as one in which the fire officers not only confronted the show host and his guest but also took four other staff members on duty “hostage,” warning them not to take any photos or videos of the incident and threatening them with repercussions if they did.
Atakora noted that the officers hurled verbal insults, accusing the staff of accepting bribes to tarnish the image of the fire service. Some of the verbal attacks allegedly included statements like, “Foolish people! You have taken money from others to speak ill of us even though we risk our lives to serve the public.” Other phrases reportedly included threats to deal with the station staff, calling them “hollow-minded” and questioning their qualifications as journalists.
Amid the chaos, the station’s manager, Samuel Asiedu, arrived at the scene, only to face hostility from some of the fire officers. Witnesses recount that Asiedu was grabbed by the neck and threatened by one of the officers when he questioned their actions and their disruption of the station’s broadcast. Upon sensing the intensity of the situation, Asiedu contacted the Asamankese Police Patrol Team, who arrived promptly to intervene, ensuring the safety of the station’s employees.
The officers allegedly attempted to seize Gagba and his guest from the studio, intending to escort them out and confront them directly over the alleged misinformation. Producers Regina Korantemaa and Samuel Silivi, who were also present, stepped in to resist this forceful move until police reinforcement arrived.
### Nkonim FM’s Commitment to Community and Public Service
Nkonim FM, part of the Theovision Radio Network, has been a prominent media outlet in Asamankese since 2010. The station has consistently dedicated airtime to community service, including free programming for local government departments, such as the Fire Service, to educate the public on issues of public interest. For over 15 years, Nkonim FM has built a reputation for promoting developmental topics that benefit local communities, including discussions on sanitation, health care, family values, youth drug abuse, and safety awareness.
The radio station's mission is rooted in both faith and social responsibility. The station has historically provided a platform for various agencies to discuss issues pertinent to the community, including security, environmental protection, and fire prevention. According to Nkonim FM representatives, the station has prioritized public education on fire safety, often welcoming personnel from the Fire Service to share advice with listeners on fire prevention, response tactics, and related safety measures.
This incident at Nkonim FM reflects broader challenges facing journalists and media personnel in Ghana. Journalists frequently contend with obstacles while reporting on public concerns such as illegal mining, deforestation, climate migration, and other pressing issues. Despite Ghana’s 1992 Constitution guaranteeing freedom of the press and the repeal of criminal libel laws in 2001, attacks on journalists remain a troubling issue. Incidents like the one at Nkonim FM raise concerns about the safety of journalists, especially those working in rural and under-resourced areas, and the influence of public officials on media content.
Ghana currently ranks 62 out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index, with its media environment described as “problematic.” This status highlights the difficult balancing act journalists in the country must navigate between adhering to professional integrity and managing tensions with public authorities.
The altercation between the fire service personnel and the staff of Nkonim FM has reportedly been brought before the Municipal Security Council for investigation. As journalists, broadcasters, and other media professionals face increasing threats, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the critical role that responsible media plays in a democratic society. They also underscore the need for greater protection for journalists, particularly when addressing issues of public interest that may challenge the narratives or actions of public authorities.
Nkonim FM continues to stand by its commitment to responsible journalism, public education, and advocacy for peaceful community development. The station has expressed its intent to work closely with all local agencies, including the Fire Service, to ensure that public discourse remains fair, balanced, and respectful.
blogpay
Total Comments: 0