Linda Agyemang
2 minutes read
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has raised alarm over equipment and logistical challenges hampering its operations, warning that a lack of urgent intervention could cripple its ability to respond to emergencies nationwide.
During a panel discussion on ABC TV, Deputy Chief Fire Officer (D.C.E.O) Mark Brako Appiah disclosed that most of the Service’s fire tenders are more than 22 years old and no longer have spare parts available locally. He warned that unless the issue is addressed immediately, many of the vehicles could be grounded by the end of the year.
“We are struggling to maintain our ageing fleet. Many of our fire tenders are obsolete, and the parts are no longer available in the country. Without replacements, we risk a potential shutdown of operations in some areas,” Mr Brako Appiah stated.
He also highlighted public disregard for basic fire safety practices as a growing concern. “People still sleep close to gas cylinders, and many homes are built without proper exits. These contribute significantly to the frequency and severity of fire incidents,” he added.
In addition to the ageing equipment, Mr Brako Appiah revealed that the Service is facing a serious shortage of command and utility vehicles, as well as inadequate access to functioning fire hydrants in several communities. The absence of fire stations in some districts further hampers emergency response times and discourages investment in those areas.
“Beyond the impact on lives and property, these logistical gaps deter investors from setting up businesses in underserved regions,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the health and safety of personnel, citing prolonged exposure to smoke during rescue operations as a persistent challenge affecting the wellbeing of fire officers.
Chief Fire Officer Madam Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong acknowledged a decline in public trust in the Fire Service, but assured the committee that efforts were underway to improve internal discipline, professionalism, and staff training.
She also expressed concern about incidents in which fire tenders arrive at scenes without water, attributing the issue to the lack of hydrants in some communities. “In places where hydrants do not exist or are not functioning, fire trucks have to travel long distances to refill, delaying response and worsening the situation,” she explained.
