Public relations officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Division Officer II Desmond Ackah, has called on Ghanaians to support the service as it struggles with aging fire engines and limited resources.
This appeal comes after the GNFS released a report indicating that a total of 3,595 fire incidents were recorded across the country between January and June 2025 , a marginal increase of 19 cases compared to the 3,576 incidents recorded during the same period in 2024.
Speaking in an interview on Joy News , DOII Ackah explained that the Chief Fire Officer and her management team are doing their best to repair old fire trucks to ensure timely emergency responses.
“Our current Chief Fire Officer and her management team are not resting at all.They are trying as much as possible to fix our old fire trucks and engines so we can respond effectively to emergencies. Because the trucks are old, they break down frequently. So we are using every pesewa we have to keep them running. And I think that effort deserves commendation.”
He also cautioned the public against attacking personnel or vandalizing fire trucks during operations, warning that such actions would attract legal consequences.
“Ghanaians should hold us in high esteem and avoid vandalizing our trucks when we come to help,” he stressed. “These vehicles are few, and the ones we have are old and frequently break down. So if we arrive later than expected and you take the law into your own hands by damaging our vehicles or assaulting our men, we will enforce the law. We need the public’s support. If you break the law, we will ensure the law applies.”
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Story by Anita Azawodie| univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
