The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is grappling with an unprecedented surge in fire outbreaks, creating an escalating crisis in the country’s firefighting capacity and the safety of its personnel.
In 2024 alone, the GNFS recorded an alarming 5,596 fire outbreaks between January and November, reflecting a 6.43% increase from the 5,258 incidents reported in the same period in 2023.
This surge is attributed to various factors, including severe weather conditions, non-compliance with fire safety regulations, road accidents, electrical faults, and gas leakages.
However, despite these challenges, the service is fighting to maintain public safety and minimize damage across the country, even as it continues to contend with severe resource limitations.
The recent loss of 37 fire officers in the line of duty, as reported by the former Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Julius Kuunuor on December 18, 2024, underscores the dangerous and hazardous nature of the work firefighters undertake to protect lives and properties.
This stark reality highlights the need for urgent reforms and improvements within the service.
GNFS has long struggled with insufficient resources, outdated equipment, and understaffing.
These limitations have undermined their ability to effectively respond to the increasing number of fire incidents.
The service has repeatedly appealed for additional fire tenders, modern firefighting equipment, and a bolstered workforce.
Unfortunately, many of these requests have gone unmet, leaving firefighters to operate with old and inadequate tools that hinder their ability to respond quickly and efficiently.
The age of some fire tenders is particularly concerning, with many vehicles so outdated that they are unable to provide the swift response required in emergency situations.
The lack of sufficient fire stations in certain constituencies further complicates the service’s ability to reach fire scenes promptly, exacerbating the damage caused by these outbreaks.
The GNFS’s response at times often delayed, contributing to the escalating loss of lives and properties.
Risks to Fire Officers: A Growing Concern
Perhaps the most alarming aspect of this crisis is the safety of the fire officers themselves.
These brave men and women put their lives on the line every day, often facing physical and verbal abuse while carrying out their duties.
Reports of firefighters being attacked while trying to manage fire incidents have become all too frequent.
At a time when they are already exposed to significant dangers on the job, the additional threat of hostile attacks makes their work even more perilous.
The safety and well-being of fire officers must be prioritized. In addition to providing the necessary equipment to carry out their work efficiently, the government and relevant authorities must ensure that these officers are protected from harm while performing their duties.
Their sacrifice should be met with respect and recognition, rather than the added burden of physical or verbal assaults.
A Call for Immediate Action
The current situation demands immediate attention from both the Ghanaian government and the general public. The lack of sufficient fire stations in certain areas is a grave concern that must be addressed.
Fire stations must be established in under-served constituencies to ensure that every citizen has access to emergency firefighting services.
Moreover, the government must allocate adequate funding to the GNFS, enabling the acquisition of modern firefighting equipment, including new fire tenders, advanced rescue gear, and better training for personnel.
The safety of fire officers should also be prioritized, with improved safety protocols and protections against attacks while on duty.
The public also has a critical role to play in this effort. Citizens must adhere to fire safety regulations and report any potential hazards to the authorities.
Additionally, municipal assemblies should prioritize the construction of fire stations in their communities, recognizing that fire prevention and swift response are crucial to saving lives and property.
The Time to Act Is Now
As the frequency of fire outbreaks continues to rise, it is evident that the Ghana National Fire Service needs a coordinated and immediate response from all stakeholders to overcome the resource and safety challenges it currently faces.
The growing crisis calls for urgent government intervention, improved resources, and better protection for fire officers.
It is essential that we support the GNFS in its mission to safeguard lives and properties across the country.
The public must also play its part by adhering to fire safety measures and advocating for better fire service infrastructure.
Only by working together can we ensure that the Ghana National Fire Service is equipped to handle emergencies effectively, protecting both the citizens and the officers who risk everything to ensure our safety.