Fire Service Ladies celebrate 30 years of empowerment, progress

The Ghana National Fire Service Ladies Association (FISLA) has launched its 30th anniversary to celebrate three decades of growth, service and empowerment of women in uniform.

The launch, which was held at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Headquarters in Accra on Wednesday, June 11, was on the theme: “Spark to Flames: Tracing the Growth and Progress of Fire Service Ladies Over the Past 30 Years”.

The ceremony brought together current and retired officers, founding members, sister security agencies, civil society organisations, and government representatives in what was both a moment of reflection and a rallying call to action.

Significance

The acting Chief Fire Officer and Patron of FISLA, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Daniela Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, described the anniversary as more than just a passage of time, but a profound celebration of progress, resilience and purpose.

Recounting her own journey from Assistant Division Officer to her current leadership role, she underscored how FISLA had been instrumental in breaking barriers, inspiring change, and uplifting countless lives within a traditionally male-dominated profession.

She paid tribute to all past and present executives, as well as partners and supporters, whose unwavering dedication had sustained the association.

Achievements

The President of FISLA, DCFO Doris Lamptey, mentioned FISLA's achievements over three decades - national recognition, promotion of female officers into critical leadership roles and successful advocacy for gender-inclusive policies such as personal grooming freedoms and maternity rights.

These strides, she said, were achieved despite persistent challenges such as workplace bias, limited representation at top command levels, and the struggle to balance professional duties with personal responsibilities.

"When women rise, the whole service benefits," Ms Lamptey said, emphasising the need for continuous advocacy for gender-sensitive policies and lifelong learning.

Commendation

A former Chief Director at the Ministry for the Interior, who was the special guest of honour, Adelaide Annor Kumi, lauded the foresight of FISLA’s founding women for building a powerful legacy of impact and sisterhood.

“You have redefined leadership and professional capability in the Fire Service,” she said.

Mrs Annor Kumi specifically commended DCFO Ntow Sarpong’s historic appointment as the first female Chief Fire Officer, describing it as "inspirational" and a clear demonstration of "what is possible when competence meets opportunity".

She also underscored the critical role of male allies and said, "An inclusive service is a stronger service".

Commitment

The Deputy Government Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to women’s leadership, equity in public service and retooling of the GNFS.

“This administration sees women not as afterthoughts, but as co-architects of our national development,” she said.