Despite chronic under-resourcing, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has made notable progress in its core mandate of fire prevention and emergency response, according to an account presented by the Minister for the Interior, Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak.
Detailing the Ministry’s achievements at the Government Accountability Series held by the Presidency Communications, the Minister praised the Service’s performance between January and June 2025, citing reduced fire incidents, improved safety enforcement, and strategic reforms to support national development efforts.
“The Ghana Fire Service though woefully under-resourced has managed to reduce fire outbreaks and salvage millions of cedis worth of properties”
Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior
According to the Minister of the Interior, the GNFS responded to 3,841 fire outbreaks nationwide over the six-month period, salvaging properties and preventing countless fatalities. The report credited the Service’s vigilance for the significant reduction in fire-related losses.
A key pillar of the Service’s performance has been its proactive safety inspection regime. The Ghana National Fire Service conducted 14,234 fire safety inspections during the period under review, aimed at ensuring public and private buildings met required safety standards.
“The inspections culminated in the issuance of 12,418 fire safety certificates, including 2,944 renewals, demonstrating ongoing efforts to enforce compliance and enhance public safety”
Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior
Beyond fire incidents, the GNFS expanded its emergency response capability to road accidents. It responded swiftly to 851 road traffic collisions, rescuing trapped victims and saving numerous lives.
The Ministry reported that this aspect of the Service’s work continues to grow in significance, especially with increasing vehicular usage and congestion.
24-Hour Economy and Other Initiatives
The Minister revealed that the Ghana Fire Service has aligned its operations with the government’s 24-hour economy initiative championed by President John Dramani Mahama. The Service instituted “24-hour shift surveillance,” over major markets across the country, ensuring constant monitoring to prevent fire outbreaks.
In addition, it has “mapped out all fuel stations nationwide that are prone to flooding during heavy rains.” These preventive measures are designed to minimize the risk of disaster and ensure the smooth functioning of commercial areas, particularly in urban centers.
To support rural communities and mitigate bushfires that threaten food security and the environment, the Fire Service trained 5,214 fire volunteers. This initiative not only expands the Service’s reach but also strengthens community participation in fire prevention and environmental protection.
Addressing the welfare of its personnel, the GNFS established a Health and Safety Fund with seed capital of GHS 200,000. The fund is expected to meet medical needs of personnel injured in the line of duty.
“I take this opportunity to appeal to all well-wishers to support this fund as a boost to the gallant fire fighters,” the Minister stated.
In a related move, the Ministry revealed a new insurance policy for GNFS personnel. In partnership with the State Insurance Company (SIC), the scheme provides cover for injuries and death in the line of duty.
For an annual premium of GHS 40, a fire officer is entitled to GHS 50,000 for injury, GHS 100,000 for permanent disability, and GHS 100,000 for death. Hon. Muntaka Mubarack expressed gratitude to SIC for the package and urged similar initiatives for other frontline security agencies like the police, the prisons, immigration.
“It may be modest, but it’s a very good beginning as compared to what we inherited where when a fire officer goes to work, and then inhale smoke and falls sick or falls from a height, the person will have to treat himself or herself, then submit a bill to the minister for interior to present to minister of finance for payment”
Hon. Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, Minister for the Interior
As part of efforts to institutionalize a national culture of safety, the GNFS has declared July 11 each year as “National Safety Award Day.” This year, 60 individuals and corporate bodies were awarded for upholding high fire safety standards in their operations.
The Minister described this initiative as a major step in acknowledging proactive fire prevention and encouraging broader public compliance with safety protocols.
Despite significant logistical and financial challenges, the Ghana National Fire Service under the new government, continues to deliver on its mandate and support national development objectives.
The Ministry’s report demonstrates that with strategic reforms, institutional collaboration, and focused investment, public safety outcomes can be improved even in resource-constrained environments.
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