Open letter to President a - Strengthen Ghana Fire Service

Your commitment to the progress of Ghana is truly admirable, and I wish you continued success in leading our nation.

As we look ahead, I wish to raise a critical issue that requires urgent attention—the need to better equip the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

The recent incidents of fires and disasters, such as the fires at Parliament House (Job 600), Kwadaso Wood and the Kantamanto markets, highlight the importance of a well-equipped fire service in protecting the public.

Unfortunately, despite past tragedies, such as, the 2012 Melcom disaster and June 5 Circle fire, Ghana remains underprepared for large-scale disasters.

The lack of resources and coordination within our emergency services continues to leave us vulnerable.

Moreover, the inefficiency of the GNFS has led to public dissatisfaction, with citizens expressing frustration over delayed responses and, in some cases, attacking fire officers. 

This has only demoralised the service and worsened the situation.

Sir, it is worth acknowledging that your predecessor took significant steps to enhance emergency medical response by providing a reasonable number of ambulances.

However, our fire and rescue services remain critically under-resourced.

The GNFS needs more modern firefighting vehicles, protective gear and continuous training to effectively respond to emergencies and save lives.

I urge you, Mr President, to prioritise the strengthening of the GNFS by:

• Allocating adequate funding for firefighting equipment and vehicles.
• Investing in training programmes for fire officers.
• Expanding fire stations in high-risk areas.
• Enforcing fire safety regulations and public education to prevent fires.

By taking these steps, you will protect the lives and property of Ghanaians and demonstrate your commitment to a safer, more resilient Ghana.

Kobina Ofosu Nketia,
HSE Advisor.