By: Angel Quaye
The 3rd Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Conference was held in Accra on November 26, where the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Hon. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi stressed that fire safety is a shared duty that requires everyone’s involvement.
The conference, themed “Resourcing GNFS for Effective Service Delivery: The Role of Stakeholders,” focused on the importance of collaboration in preventing fires and managing emergencies.
Mr. Terlabi announced that government plans to support the GNFS through the Security Services Fund to ensure steady and reliable resources for their operations. He praised the bravery and professionalism of fire officers, noting the daily risks they face to protect lives and property. He added that government, the private sector, civil society, and citizens must all play their part in promoting fire safety.
He encouraged stakeholders to assist the GNFS with equipment, training, and funding, and urged the public to adopt a stronger culture of fire prevention.
Chairman of the GNFS Council, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, said no fire service can succeed without good planning and strategy. He highlighted the need for the future fire service to be digital, intelligence-driven, and staffed with highly trained professionals.
In her welcome address, Chief Fire Officer Madam Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong noted that despite logistical challenges, the Service continues to make progress, especially through public education and lifesaving efforts. She announced that the GNFS will soon implement a digitalization programme to improve its operations and emphasized that fire safety requires collective effort from all.
The conference aims to address ongoing challenges facing the GNFS, including limited resources and infrastructure gaps.
