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Tag: Ghana National Fire Service

  • Government clears one-year rent allowance owed to security services

    Government clears one-year rent allowance owed to security services

    Personnel of Ghana’s security services are set to receive relief as the government announces payment of their 2025 rent allowance, which has been in arrears for the past year.

    In a formal statement shared by the Ministry of the Interior on Monday, March  2, it revealed that it has released funds to settle outstanding rent allowance arrears owed to personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service for the 2025 financial year.

    It said, “The Ministry of the Interior wishes to inform the public, particularly personnel of the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana National Fire Service, and Ghana Immigration Service, that the Government has released funds for the payment of the outstanding rent allowance for the year 2025. This payment covers the arrears owed to eligible personnel across these services”.

    The statement continued with a statement of gratitude and appreciation to the security service for their patience during the last year.

    “The Ministry appreciates the patience and understanding demonstrated by the affected officers during this period. Furthermore, the Ministry wishes to announce that the payment process for rent allowance has been mechanised going forward,” the statement added.

    This payment covers all eligible officers across the three security services who were affected by the delay.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry’s Public Affairs and Communications Unit, the government expressed appreciation to the affected personnel for their patience and understanding during the period the allowances remained outstanding.

    The Ministry also announced a major reform in the payment system to prevent future delays. Beginning March 2026, rent allowance payments will be mechanised and processed alongside officers’ monthly salaries.

    The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of officers under its supervision and assured that it will continue to work with the Ministry of Finance and other relevant stakeholders to ensure all entitlements are paid promptly.

    While, the rent allowance for Ghana’s security services is not a constitutional entitlement written directly into the 1992 Constitution, it is a policy-based allowance that has been part of the conditions of service for these agencies for many years. It is meant to support personnel who do not have government-provided accommodation, helping them cover housing costs.

    Given the essentiality of their services, accommodation is considered a major condition of service to ensure stability and welfare.

    History behind security service barriers, challenges so far

    Sometime in the 1800s, during the colonial era, was when the first police and military barracks were built. The government, at the time, adopted it as a policy-based allowance to help house officers close to their duty stations, ensuring that they could be mobilised quickly when needed.

    After independence in 1957, successive governments continued the practice of building barracks and service quarters for the Police, Prisons, Fire, Immigration, and Armed Forces.

    However, despite these efforts, the rapid expansion of the security services meant that the available housing stock could never keep pace with recruitment. As the number of officers grew, the demand for accommodation far outstripped supply, creating a persistent shortfall that continues to this day.

    In an unrelated development, the Ghana Police Service (GPS) received a boost as President John Mahama handed over 100 pickup vehicles to the service.

    Speaking during the handing over event held at the Police Headquarters in Accra on Thursday, January 8, President Mahama described the move as one of the many efforts by his outfit to strengthen capacity and improve the assets and equipment of the police force.

    According to President Mahama, this presentation marks the first batch of the many vehicles the government will present to the police force. This, he highlighted, will enhance police visibility and accessibility.

    He said, “These 100 pickups are the first batch of several pickups that we shall be presenting to the Police Service. These are operational necessities. They will improve patrols, reduce response time, extend policing to hard-to-reach areas, and strengthen police visibility nationwide,” the President said.

    He explained that the vehicles will enable officers to respond to emergencies more efficiently and operate more safely, particularly in remote and underserved communities.

    “In simple terms, they will get the police to where they are needed faster and safer,” President Mahama added.

    President Mahama also charged the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Police Service to maintain the vehicles and ensure their proper use, promoting responsibility and professionalism while avoiding public waste, emphasising that his government will not tolerate any form of misuse.

    “To the Inspector-General of Police and the leadership of the Police Service, these vehicles are entrusted to you on behalf of the people of Ghana. They are instruments of service, not symbols of power. They must be properly deployed, professionally used, carefully maintained, and fully accounted for. This administration will not tolerate misuse, waste, or indiscipline. Every resource provided for national security must deliver real value to the Ghanaian people.

    “As we strengthen capacity, we are equally committed to professionalism and accountability. A strong police service must be lawful. Authority must always be exercised with restraint, and respect for human rights is non-negotiable. The uniform confers authority, but it also demands responsibility,” he said.

    Inspector General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohuno, expressed deep appreciation to the President and reaffirmed the Police Service’s commitment to safeguarding the assets and using them effectively.

    “I wish to express the heartfelt appreciation of the Ghana Police Service to you,” the IGP said. “We assure you of our loyalty and our commitment to protect these assets, deploy them wisely, and use them relentlessly in the service of peace, safety, and national stability.”

    IGP Yohuno further assured that the Ghana Police Service remains committed to playing its role in national development and reform.

    “As we move forward, the Ghana Police stands to do its part in the national reset, firm in law enforcement, conduct, and in the defence of our nation,” he stated.

  • Accra-Nsawam highway petrol tanker fire killed 6, injured 7 – GNFS confirms

    Accra-Nsawam highway petrol tanker fire killed 6, injured 7 – GNFS confirms

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has confirmed that the fire outbreak on the Accra-Nsawam Highway near Okanta in the early hours of Saturday, February 14 claimed the lives of six people and injured seven others.

    The deceased persons include, three (3) victims including two males and one female.

    According to the Service a total of fifteen (15) casualties were recorded following the incident, comprising eleven (11) males and four (4) females.

    In a press statement the Ghana National Fire Service added that “A total of 15 casualties were recorded (11 males and 4 females). Three (3) victims (two males, one female) tragically died at the scene, and their badly charred bodies were handed over to the Police for preservation and further investigation”.


    In the early hours of Saturday, February 14, a fuel tanker explosion destroyed multiple vehicles along the Nsawam-Accra highway, causing heavy traffic congestion on the busy stretch.


    Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion occurred after the tanker was involved in a collision, which caused the vehicle to catch fire.


    Thick black smoke was seen rising from the scene, sparking fear among motorists and residents in nearby communities.


    Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service responded promptly and are working to bring the blaze under control and prevent it from spreading to other vehicles and properties.

    Emergency responders have since cordoned off the affected section of the road as firefighting operations continue.
    No casualties have been confirmed so far.

    However, emergency teams are still assessing the situation and searching the area to ensure that no victims are trapped.


    The incident has caused significant traffic disruption along the Nsawam-Accra route, which serves as a major link between the Eastern Region and Accra.


    Motorists have been advised to exercise caution when approaching the area and to use alternative routes while firefighting and vehicle recovery operations continue. Police personnel are also at the scene managing traffic and ensuring the safety of road users.


    Meanwhile, Eastern South Regional Police Commander, DCOP George Ohene Bossman Boadi, has warned the public against stealing fuel from tankers involved in road accidents.


    The warning comes after a fatal fuel tanker explosion was reported at Ntoaso on the Accra–Nsawam Highway in the Eastern Region, which killed three people and damaged property.


    According to a report by 3News.com, Suhum Fire Service Public Relations Officer ADO1 Akonoh Opare Ohene Daniel explained that the blast occurred when residents tried to steal fuel from the overturned tanker.


    “The residents in this area were siphoning the fuel, leading to the explosion. Traffic had already built up, and a female motorist who was trapped behind was burnt too.This is wrong. Residents along highways must stop engaging in such illegal activities,” he stated.


    He therefore urged the public to refrain from such dangerous and illegal acts and allow experts to manage accident scenes at all times.

    The 3News.com report added that Eyewitnesses revealed that the incident happened around 5:00 a.m. on Saturday, when a fuel tanker heading toward Kumasi reportedly overturned along the shoulder of the busy highway.


    Several residents and motorcycle riders rushed to the scene to steal fuel from the overturned vehicle.


    The situation quickly turned deadly when the tanker ignited, causing an explosion that claimed the lives of two men and one woman.


    The blast also destroyed around five vehicles caught in traffic, including motorcycles believed to belong to the victims. Passengers and bystanders fled as flames spread across the area.


    Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service, Ghana Police Service, National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), and National Ambulance Service responded swiftly.


    Several individuals who sustained life-threatening injuries were rescued and taken to Nsawam Government Hospital, where they are receiving treatment. The bodies of the deceased have been taken to the Suhum Government Hospital morgue.


    Eastern South Regional Police Commander DCOP George Ohene Bossman Boadi stated that police officers would remain at the scene to manage traffic while Fire Service personnel continue efforts to extinguish the flames.

  • 132 fire incidents were recorded across Ashanti Region in January – GNFS

    132 fire incidents were recorded across Ashanti Region in January – GNFS

    A total of 132 fire incidents were recorded in Ashanti Region were recorded between January 1 and 31, 2026, marking a decrease from the 187 cases reported during the same period in 2025, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed.

    Addressing the media on Monday, February 2, the Ashanti Regional Fire Command PRO, DO III Peter Addai, noted that about 45 cases of the fire outbreaks were prevented.


    He added, “We have been able to reduce fire incidence by about 45 cases, which is really impressive. The damage one fire can cause is serious, so the command’s success in reducing the number of incidents is significant”.


    Ghana recorded over 3,595 fire incidents nationwide in the first half of 2025, with regional breakdowns showing hundreds of cases across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Central Regions.


    Barely a week into the New Year, some Kasoa residents had their stalls completely burnt after a fire ravaged stalls in a major outbreak at the Kasoa New Market on Sunday, January 4, 2026.


    According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a distress call was received around 4:50 p.m., after which the Kasoa Fire Station swiftly reached the scene, only to find the fire at a very advanced stage.


    The fire was spreading so rapidly that fire tenders had to immediately call for reinforcement from Weija, Anyaa, Dansoman, Industrial Area, Flagstaff House, Madina, and Swedru fire stations.
    After about two hours of firefighting, the tenders managed to extinguish the flames at 6:52 p.m., brought the fire under control at 7:52 p.m., and fully extinguished it by 10:00 p.m.


    Although several metallic shops and wooden stalls were destroyed—along with food items such as maize, beans, shea butter, spices, and other merchandise—the swift response by firefighters prevented the blaze from consuming the entire market.


    Fire control officers explained that, despite the losses incurred, several stalls were salvaged. Among the challenges listed by the GNFS during the operation were poor accessibility within the market, long distances to reliable water sources, and interference from members of the public at various points during the operation.

    This fire marks the second major outbreak at the market in the last two years.


    Fire tenders from Kasoa and Swedru have been left on standby to prevent any possible re-ignition, while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.


    A fire incident at Abuakwa Manhyia in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of a three-month-old baby and six others.


    The fire outbreak, which occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Monday, December 22, swept through an apartment. This information was disclosed by the Assembly Member for Abuakwa Manhyia, Evans Opoku. Meanwhile, the cause of the incident is yet to be established. Ghana has recorded several fire incidents from January to November this year.


    Recently, a fire outbreak at Tsito–Awudome Gborkorpe in the Volta Region destroyed a two-bedroom self-contained apartment. No casualties were reported from the incident, which occurred on Monday, December 8.


    Several students at Kedjebi-Asato Senior High School (SHS) in the Oti Region were left unconscious after a fire gutted one of the boys’ dormitories on Tuesday morning, December 2.


    The students passed out from exhaustion as a result of smoke inhalation during the fire. Unfortunately, all their belongings were destroyed. Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully brought the blaze under control.


    Last month, a four-bedroom apartment at Aboabo Number 2 in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region was razed by fire on Wednesday, November 27.


    A young man in the community who attempted to help extinguish the fire was electrocuted in the process. Speaking to the media, the Assembly Member for the area, Haruna Abdul Rashid, disclosed that the victim received treatment at the hospital.

  • N/A: 900 students displaced in NOBISCO fire outbreak

    N/A: 900 students displaced in NOBISCO fire outbreak

    Fire outbreak at Northern School of Business (NOBISCO) has displaced nine hundred female students

    The devastating fire gutted the school’s girls’ dormitory on Wednesday afternoon January 28, 2025.

     It completely affected dormitories which accommodate students from four houses known as Aggrey, Arthur, Ali, and Gbewaa.

    Students who were in class at the time of the fire reportedly rushed back to their dormitories to try to save their belongings as flames spread quickly.

    Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service worked for several hours before bringing the blaze under control.

    No casualties were reported, but the fire caused significant damage, destroying beds, mattresses, books, uniforms, and other personal items.

    Many students affected by the incident have been left distressed and without accommodation while school authorities assess the situation.

    Hundreds of shops and mechanic workshops at Sofoline Magazine in the Kwadaso Municipality of the Ashanti Region were gutted by fire on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

    Several structures, including workshops and vehicles under repair, were destroyed, along with large quantities of spare parts, equipment, and other goods. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.

    Ghana recorded over 3,595 fire incidents nationwide in the first half of 2025, with regional breakdowns showing hundreds of cases across the Greater Accra, Ashanti, and Central Regions.

    A devastating fire broke out behind the VVIP Station at Kwame Nkrumah Circle in Accra today, Tuesday, January 20, 2026, destroying over fifty (50) shops.

    According to authorities and eyewitnesses, the shops primarily sold mobile phones. Firefighters from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) worked tirelessly to bring the fire under control, saving nearby shops.

    The cause of the blaze is currently unknown, and no casualties have been reported at the time of filing this report.

    Barely a week into the New Year, some Kasoa residents had their stalls completely burnt after a fire ravaged the Kasoa New Market on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a distress call was received around 4:50 p.m., after which the Kasoa Fire Station swiftly reached the scene, only to find the fire at a very advanced stage.

    The fire was spreading so rapidly that fire tenders had to immediately call for reinforcement from Weija, Anyaa, Dansoman, Industrial Area, Flagstaff House, Madina, and Swedru fire stations.

    After about two hours of firefighting, the tenders managed to extinguish the flames at 6:52 p.m., brought the fire under control at 7:52 p.m., and fully extinguished it by 10:00 p.m.

    Although several metallic shops and wooden stalls were destroyed—along with food items such as maize, beans, shea butter, spices, and other merchandise—the swift response by firefighters prevented the blaze from consuming the entire market.

    Fire control officers explained that, despite the losses incurred, several stalls were salvaged. Among the challenges listed by the GNFS during the operation were poor accessibility within the market, long distances to reliable water sources, and interference from members of the public at various points during the operation.

    This fire marks the second major outbreak at the market in the last two years. Fire tenders from Kasoa and Swedru have been left on standby to prevent any possible re-ignition, while investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing.

    A fire incident at Abuakwa Manhyia in the Atwima Nwabiagya South Municipality of the Ashanti Region claimed the lives of a three-month-old baby and six others.

    The fire outbreak, which occurred at about 12:30 a.m. on Monday, December 22, swept through an apartment. The Assembly Member disclosed this information for Abuakwa Manhyia and Evans Opoku. Meanwhile, the cause of the incident remains unknown. Ghana has recorded several fire incidents from January to November this year.

    Recently, a fire outbreak at Tsito–Awudome Gborkorpe in the Volta Region destroyed a two-bedroom self-contained apartment.

    No casualties were reported from the incident, which occurred on Monday, December 8. Several students at Kedjebi-Asato Senior High School (SHS) in the Oti Region were left unconscious after a fire gutted one of the boys’ dormitories on Tuesday morning, December 2.

    The students passed out from exhaustion as a result of smoke inhalation during the fire. Unfortunately, all their belongings were destroyed. Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) successfully brought the blaze under control.

    Last month, a four-bedroom apartment at Aboabo Number 2 in the Asokore Mampong Municipality of the Ashanti Region was razed by fire on Wednesday, November 27.

    A young man in the community who attempted to help extinguish the fire was electrocuted in the process. Speaking to the media, the Assembly Member for the area, Haruna Abdul Rashid, disclosed that the victim is currently receiving treatment at the hospital.

    He added that officers from the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) arrived at the scene to turn off the transformer to prevent the fire from spreading further.

    In the early hours of Wednesday, November 26, an eight-year-old girl lost her life after a devastating fire swept through the Dansoman Market.

    The girl was trapped in the intense blaze and could not escape as the fire engulfed the area. Her charred body was handed over to the Police for preservation and further investigation. Several wooden structures and shops, along with their contents, were destroyed.

    However, adjacent structures were saved due to the prompt intervention of firefighters.

    According to an update by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a crew from the Dansoman Fire Station arrived at the scene within two minutes after receiving a distress call at 00:02 hours, but the fire was already at an advanced stage.

    Due to the intensity of the blaze, eight fire engines were deployed to support two private water tankers from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly.

    The cause of the fire, however, is yet to be determined.On Saturday, November 22, a fire incident engulfed the Charkieh Plastics Factory site at Weija Junction in the Greater Accra Region.

    To contain the blaze, the Ghana National Fire Service dispatched a coordinated team from seven fire stations.

    Last month, the Kwapong Nursing Training College in the Asunafo South District of the Ahafo Region was gutted by fire. The incident, which occurred on Friday, October 31, forced students to flee to safety. Authorities are working to ascertain the cause.

    The newly opened China City Mall at Santasi in Kumasi, inaugurated in May 2025, was also destroyed by fire. No casualties were recorded, but the mall was completely ravaged, with no items salvaged.

    The cause has not yet been made public.Earlier this month, a fire ravaged parts of Kantamanto, at the Tazani Lane section in Accra. Several shops selling wooden planks and hardware were destroyed after the fire broke out near Aayalolo School at 1:17 a.m. on Saturday, September 13.

    The GNFS confirmed in an update on Sunday, September 14: “The flames were confined at 6:26 a.m., brought under control by 6:37 a.m., and fully extinguished by 11:44 a.m.”

    The Service added that two firefighters sustained injuries—one from an electric shock and another from burns to the left arm. Both were treated, discharged, and are in stable condition.

  • Fire guts sections of Madina Market in Accra

    Fire guts sections of Madina Market in Accra

    A large fire has swept through sections of the Madina Market in Accra, triggering a swift response from the Ghana National Fire Service as efforts continue to contain the blaze.

    The GNFS, in a Facebook update, said fire appliances from the Madina and Legon stations were dispatched to the market shortly after the incident was reported.

    Fire officers are working under difficult conditions to control the flames, with heavy smoke spreading across the busy trading area.

    While the exact scale of destruction has not yet been determined, early indications point to damage to a number of stalls and merchandise.

    In response, traders and nearby residents have been moved away from the affected areas, as security personnel restrict access to parts of the market to enable firefighters to carry out their operations.

    Authorities have not yet established the cause of the fire, noting that investigations will begin after the situation is fully brought under control.

    https://web.facebook.com/share/v/1D53uSTorT

    In the same area, an inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures used for both commercial and residential purposes at Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flat on Sunday evening, August 3.

    The blaze destroyed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and an unspecified number of structures worth several thousand cedis, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

    In a Facebook post, the Fire Service noted that while battling the inferno, one of its firefighters sustained a minor leg injury.

    The Ghana National Fire Service noted that it received the distress call at 12:36 hours and responded swiftly, with the first crew from Madina Fire Station arriving within 4 minutes at 12:40 hours to confront the fully developed fire.

    Also, four (4) fire engines from Legon, Abelempke, and GNFS Headquarters joined the operation to contain the blaze. According to the GNFS, thanks to the timely and coordinated efforts, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours.

    Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours, with firefighters salvaging multiple adjoining structures and their contents. Investigation into the cause of the fire is currently underway, according to the Ghana National Fire Service.

    Last month, a fire outbreak occurred at Madina Ritz Junction. It was earlier reported that a 2-month-old baby died as a result of the fire incident. However, GNFS, in a Facebook post on July 17, said that after engaging with some victims, particularly women, they confirmed that no lives were lost.

    “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost.”

    The Fire Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to “disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” adding that it remains firmly committed to public safety, emergency responsiveness, and transparent communication.”

    The fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers, consuming everything in its path.

    The incident, which involved multiple wooden structures used for both residential and commercial purposes, was fully contained through the swift and professional response of firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe Fire Stations.

    An investigation by the Service was launched to ascertain the cause of the fire, which destroyed several properties. It is yet to be reported the cause of the fire.

    In April this year, a raging fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, reducing more than 150 structures to ashes and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman. The inferno, which began around 11:15 p.m., rapidly spread across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers that served as homes and business outlets.

    Though firefighters from the Madina Fire Station arrived on the scene within two minutes, the blaze had already intensified. One fatality was recorded—a Nigerian woman affectionately known in the area as Beauty. Believed to be in her early twenties, she was trapped in her room and could not escape. Her charred remains were retrieved and handed over to the Madina Police for preservation and further investigation.

    Last year, about 50 stalls got burnt to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at the Ghana National Fire Service, D.O.1. Kofi Forson, who engaged the media, recounted the challenges the firefighters faced in quenching the flame.

    “It was not easy for us and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed and we had to break through and that made it tedious,” he said.

    In the first half of the year, the Ghana National Fire Service has reported a marginal increase in fire outbreaks. A comparison of data from January to June last year and that of this year’s first six months indicates that Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service, that is about 19 more cases than the 3,576 cases recorded during the same time in 2024, a sharp increase in cases representing a 0.53% rise.

    The monthly breakdown of fire cases reported this year is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 628 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 581 cases and the Central Region with 408. The North East Region reported the lowest number of incidents—just 10.

    Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response to fire cases, they were able to save over GH¢203 million worth of properties.

    Fire outbreaks across the country in the first half of 2025 led to the destruction of properties valued at over GH¢188 million.

    Top causes of fire incidents, according to the Ghana National Fire Service, include electrical faults through illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloading of circuits; improper use of electrical appliances, such as overused extension cords and unattended devices.

    Also, unattended cooking, especially with gas, electric, or coal-based stoves. Careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches, gas leakages, and poor handling of LPG cylinders are also responsible for fire incidents in the country.

  • V/R: Kpando-Aziave road crash kills 3 injures 6 

    V/R: Kpando-Aziave road crash kills 3 injures 6 

    A head-on collision involving a Howo tipper truck and a Daewoo Matiz on the Kpando–Aziave road on December 3, 2025, has resulted in the death of three, leaving 6 passengers injured.

    Fortunately, one occupant escaped unharmed.

    According to Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), it received the distress call at 2:28 p.m., prompting the Anfoega Fire Station rescue team to rush to the scene. By then, six injured victims had already been taken to the Margaret Marquart Catholic Hospital.

    The tipper truck, carrying two people, left the driver injured while the mate escaped unhurt.

    The Daewoo Matiz, which had eight passengers, saw five injured, and three, including the driver, trapped in the mangled vehicle. GNFS rescuers extricated all three, but the Matiz driver died on the spot, and the other two later succumbed to their injuries at the hospital.

    Eyewitnesses said the Matiz drifted into the tipper truck’s lane, causing the crash. While the smaller vehicle was destroyed, the truck suffered damage to its windscreen, front bumper, right headlight, and fenders.

    Police helped secure the scene as GNFS personnel cleared debris and restored traffic along the road.

    Meanwhile, in September this year, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) announced that 1,937 Ghanaians lost their lives while 10,957 were injured between January and August 20.

    During the period, 16,348 vehicles were involved in road accidents.

    Out of the 16,348 vehicles involved in accidents during the period, 5,515 were commercial vehicles, 6,647 were private vehicles, and 4,186 were motorcycles.

    Ghana has recorded a series of road accidents this year. In just the past few weeks, a fatal accident at Wakrom Junction near Yamoransa on the Cape Coast–Accra Highway has killed five people and left twelve others injured. One critically injured victim is currently receiving treatment.

    The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday, September 15, after a DAF truck loaded with 700 bags of rice, registration number AW 9548-13, collided with a Toyota Hiace passenger vehicle, registration number GC 9728-21.

    A rescue team from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at the Central Regional Headquarters arrived promptly at the scene to assist the accident victims. An accident at Bechem in the Bono Region has claimed the lives of two individuals, including a church leader of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church.

    The fatal crash, which occurred on Sunday, August 10, left several others sustaining injuries, including children. According to reports, the victims who were close to Aburaso were coming from a camp meeting they attended in Kumasi.

    Reportedly, the tyre of the bus carrying the individuals had a fracture, leading to a burst, hence, causing the vehicle to somersault.

    On Monday, July 28, a tragic road accident on the Atwedie stretch of the Kumasi–Accra Highway resulted in the deaths of sixteen members of the Saviour Church of Ghana. Days after, an accident at Asamankese in the Eastern Region on Wednesday, August 6, reportedly claimed the life of an individual. Officials have yet to confirm any casualties.

    The unfortunate incident occurred after a tipper truck veered off its road, crashing into shops around the Dukes Filling Station. According to sources, many other individuals sustained injuries. Reports have it that the tipper truck was overspeeding when it veered off the road.

    “It happened so fast—one moment the road was clear, the next, the truck was crashing into everything in its path,” an eyewitness recounted.

    Following the incident, it is said that emergency services went to the scene to rescue individuals who were trapped. Medical assistance was also provided, according to reports. Per reports, the Police Service has commenced investigations into the accident, with the driver of the tipper truck providing assistance.

    Local officials have reportedly given assurance of aiding the victims of the accident. The deceased were reportedly returning from the church’s annual programme in the Eastern Region.Their deaths were confirmed after their bus crashed with an oncoming fuel tanker.

    All 16 victims were laid to rest in a single large grave on Thursday, July 31, by the Obogu community and church leadership. Ghana has reported a surge in the number of fatalities recorded due to road crashes. In the first half of 2025, the National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) reported one thousand, five hundred and four (1,504) deaths, compared to one thousand, two hundred and thirty-seven (1,237) fatalities reported in the corresponding period in 2024, representing a 21.58 per cent increase.According to provisional data released by the National Road Safety Authority in collaboration with the Police Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD), a total of 7,289 road crashes were recorded between January and June this year.

    Per the data, a total of twelve thousand, three hundred and fifty-four (12,354) vehicles were involved in the road crashes. Owing to the road accidents, a total of eight thousand three hundred (8,300) individuals sustained injuries.

    Also, one thousand, three hundred and one (1,301) pedestrians were knocked down across the country. According to the recent data provided by the National Road Safety Authority, on average, eight (8) lives are lost every day due to road crashes.

    Each day, forty (40) road crashes are recorded, and forty-six (46) individuals sustain injuries. Daily, sixty-nine (69) vehicles and motorcycles are involved in road crashes. To aid in combating road crashes, the National Road Safety Authority has called for stern enforcement of traffic regulations and public education.

    The NRSA has called for stricter enforcement of traffic regulations and increased public education to help curb the rising number of road accidents across the country.

    The Road Traffic Act 2004, an Act to consolidate and revise the Road Traffic Ordinance, 1952 (No. 55), provides for a more comprehensive regulation of road traffic and road use, to ensure safety on the roads and to provide for related matters.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle dangerously on a road commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction, (a) where (i) a bodily injury does not occur, or (ii) a minor bodily injury does occur, to a person, other than the driver, to a fine not less than one hundred penalty units and not exceeding two hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding nine months or to both the fine and imprisonment.

    (b) Where bodily injury of an aggravated nature occurs to a person, other than the driver, to a minimum fine of two hundred penalty units and not exceeding five hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment of not less than twelve months and not exceeding two years or to both the fine and the imprisonment; or (c) where death occurs, to a term of imprisonment for a term of not less than three years.

    (d) Where there is damage to state property, to a fine of not less than one hundred penalty units and payment for the damage caused in an amount determined by the Court. The Court may, on the conviction of a person under subsection (1), (a) order the payment of appropriate compensation to an injured person or to the estate of that person, or (b) order the withdrawal of the licence for a period of not less than three years and not more than five years.

    A person who drives a motor vehicle on a road without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two thousand penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding five years or to both the fine and the imprisonment.

    A person commits an offence if without lawful authority or reasonable excuse, that person, (a) causes anything to be on or over a road, (b) interferes with a motor vehicle, trailer or cycle, or (c) interferes, directly or indirectly, with traffic equipment, where that it would be obvious to a reasonable person that to do so would be dangerous.

    A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding twelve months or to both the fine and the imprisonment.

  • We don’t fight fires with empty tanks – GNFS sets record straight

    We don’t fight fires with empty tanks – GNFS sets record straight

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has dismissed claims suggesting that its personnel respond to fire scenes with empty tenders. The Public Relations Officer of the GNFS in the Northern Region, Assistant Divisional Officer II (ADOII) Hudu Baba, addressed the issue during a practical demonstration on Monday, October 13.

    According to him, the water runs out very quickly during operations, and it is not because the tenders do not contain water.

    “Anytime water is flowing through the pipes, we put water in the tanks for emergency purposes. How much more a vehicle that is in full motion and ready for duty? It has never been the case that we respond to fire emergencies without water,” he stated.

    Several shops selling wooden planks and hardware were razed after a fire incident broke out near Aayalolo School at 1:17 a.m. on Saturday, September 13. The GNFS confirmed in an update on its official page on Sunday, September 14: “The flames were confined at 6:26 a.m., brought under control by 6:37 a.m., and fully extinguished by 11:44 a.m.”

    The Service added, “Two firefighters sustained injuries in the operation, one from an electric shock and another from burns to the left arm. Both were treated and discharged, and are reported to be in stable condition.”

    In a related development, several houses at Darkuman Kokompe in Accra were destroyed following a fire incident in the early hours of Sunday, August 31. Reports indicated that victims were unable to salvage their belongings while awaiting emergency response. The cause of that fire is yet to be established.

    Earlier this month, a fire destroyed a Benz cargo truck transporting over 2,500 bags of rice from Côte d’Ivoire to Kumasi on the Adugyama-Bechem highway, near the Star Oil Filling Station, on Monday, August 25. Similarly, a popular pub and food joint at Nogora Junction, near the Ho Technical University, was reduced to ashes following a fire outbreak on Wednesday, August 13.

    On August 4, a fire ravaged the first floor of the Accra Tourist Information Centre at Cantonments. According to the GNFS, the blaze destroyed the contents of the first floor, though the ground floor and about eight offices, including the East Wing section, were salvaged.

    The first fire engine from the GNFS Headquarters arrived at 01:04 hours to find a fully developed fire spreading rapidly in all directions, aided by strong winds. Five additional appliances from Flagstaff House, Circle, Accra City, and Ministries fire stations, as well as the Rapid Intervention Vehicle (RIV) from Headquarters, were swiftly mobilized to support firefighting operations. Although the blaze was brought under control at 03:32 hours, firefighting efforts continued until 06:35 hours to suppress the flames and prevent further spread to adjoining properties. No injuries were recorded, but the Service has launched an investigation into the cause.

    Another inferno destroyed several makeshift wooden and metal structures at the Madina Washing Bay near Redco Flats on Sunday, August 3. The blaze consumed utility poles, traders’ wares, personal belongings, and structures worth several thousand cedis. The GNFS reported that while battling the fire, one firefighter sustained a minor leg injury. The Service received the distress call at 12:36 hours, and the first crew from Madina Fire Station arrived within four minutes. Four additional fire engines from Legon, Abelemkpe, and GNFS Headquarters later joined to contain the blaze. Thanks to the swift response, the fire was confined at 13:42 hours and fully brought under control at 13:54 hours. Overhaul operations continued until 20:50 hours. An investigation into the cause is ongoing.

    Last month, a fire broke out at Madina Ritz Junction. Initial reports claimed that a two-month-old baby died in the incident, but the GNFS later clarified otherwise. “A verification team was dispatched to the scene this morning, and after engaging affected residents, particularly the women, and a Unit Committee Member of the area, the Service can confirm that no lives were lost. The Service has thus entreated the public and media outlets to disregard any reports suggesting otherwise, as they are inaccurate and misleading,” the GNFS posted on Facebook. The Service explained that the fire began after a gas explosion in one of the shops and quickly spread to adjacent containers. Firefighters from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe stations responded promptly and contained the blaze.

    In April this year, another fire ripped through the Madina Redco Flats area, destroying more than 150 structures and claiming the life of a young Nigerian woman known as Beauty. The inferno, which started around 11:15 p.m., spread rapidly across 140 wooden kiosks and 20 metal containers. Although firefighters arrived within minutes, the victim was trapped and could not escape. Her remains were handed over to the Madina Police. Last year, about 50 stalls were reduced to ashes after the Madina Market in Accra caught fire. Deputy Director of Operations at GNFS, D.O.I Kofi Forson, recounted the challenges they faced:

    “It was not easy for us, and there was a lack of access to where the fire was spreading, and because it happened in the night, the shops were closed, and we had to break through, and that made it tedious,” he said.

    The GNFS has provided statistics on fire outbreaks in the first half of 2025, showing a slight increase compared to the same period in 2024. Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases between January and June this year, compared with 3,576 cases during the same period last year—an increase of 19 cases, representing a 0.53% rise. The monthly breakdown is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of incidents (628), followed by Ashanti (581) and Central (408). The North East Region had the lowest number, with just 10 cases. In an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at GNFS, Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response, the Service saved over GH¢203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.

    The GNFS listed the main causes of fire incidents as electrical faults from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloaded circuits; improper use of appliances such as overused extension cords and unattended devices; unattended cooking with gas, electric, or coal stoves; careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches; gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders; bush burning, especially in the dry season; vehicle fires due to poor maintenance or accidents; unsafe welding and other hot-work practices; and deliberate acts of arson.

    Meanwhile, the Service reported a significant improvement in its fight against prank calls. It recorded a 34.77% reduction, from 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024 to 237,470 in 2025. The GNFS attributed the decline to consistent public education campaigns and heightened awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

  • GWL to ban water sales from hydrants in 30 days

    GWL to ban water sales from hydrants in 30 days

    A series of stringent measures has been outlined by the Ghana Water Limited (GWL) in response to the growing menace of illegal water connections and unauthorised commercial water sales.

    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, August 7, the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, disclosed that the company has banned the unauthorized sale of water, especially that sold from hydrants managed by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).


    According to him, persons who engage in the act of have until this month to desist in this practice or face the sanctions of the Ghana Water Limited. He stated that the company has already begun a crackdown on illegal activities being carried out by its consumers.


    “We have banned the use of fire hydrants, and the team is assessing those who sell water to tankers commercially. Looking at the trend it is going, if we realise that out of 10 people, seven have illegally connected [to the hydrant] we will be forced to suspend. The team started yesterday, and we are analysing the data, and by the end of the month, management will be able to put an end to this,” Mr. Mutawakilu stated.

    Additionally, he noted that residents in Greater Accra use approximately seventy-three (73) million gallons each day, which are not accounted for by GWL.

    Speaking to the media on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited, Adam Mutawakilu, attributed the situation largely to water theft, illegal connections, and damaged infrastructure in the region.

    He explained that the utility company is able to take records for only sixty-seven gallons of water out of the one hundred and forty million gallons distributed daily to the area. According to him, this is impeding the service delivery of the company.

    “In Greater Accra, we produce about 140 million gallons a day, but we can only account for 67 million gallons; that means we cannot account for 73 million gallons every single day. Even with the 67 million gallons that are accounted for, we are still unable to collect all the revenue,” he added.

    Touching on the situation in other regions, the Managing Director of Ghana Water Limited revealed that only 48% of the water produced nationwide is properly accounted for by the company.

    The disclosure comes at a time when there are widespread complaints of water shortages across parts of the capital.

    In March this year, doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi have halted all surgical procedures indefinitely due to a severe water shortage affecting the facility for over a week.

    In a memo dated March 25, 2025, the Komfo Anokye Doctors Association (KADA) informed hospital management of their decision, stressing that it was taken in the interest of patient safety.

    “This memo is to formally inform management of the decision taken by the Orthopaedic and Emergency Directorate to temporarily halt the admission of new patients until the availability of water is restored,” the statement said.

    In the same month, residents of Kanvili Kpawmo in the Sagnarigu Municipality bemoaned prolonged water shortage, as the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL) failed to restore supply for over three months.

    Despite the absence of running water, households continued to receive monthly bills, a situation that fueled widespread frustration within the community.

    In June, the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) disconnected the power supply to the Ghana Water Company Limited (GWL) over a debt of about GH¢ 1 billion owed to the company.

    This follows its 12-day nationwide revenue mobilisation operation, which began on Monday, June 16, and ended on June 27.

    Its target audience includes residential, commercial, industrial, and government institutions with outstanding electricity bills.

    Consequently, the power-producing company on Tuesday, June 17, disconnected the country’s water supply company over its debt of GH¢999.6 million following a visit by ECG’s task force.

    The disconnection was confirmed in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) which captured an ECG official disconnecting the national water supply company.An official of GWCL was seen questioning the taskforce about the disconnection and on what authority they are doing such.

    The ECG has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to GWL to settle its outstanding debt or risk an extended disconnection of power supply to its main pumping stations, which are crucial for nationwide water distribution.

    Other state entities, such as the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), which was next to have been disconnected after GWL, owe a debt of GH₵3,153,484.98.

    Ghana National Gas Authority also owes ECG GH₵ 299,458.59, BUI owes EGC GHS 2,399,711.69, followed by the Ghana VAT service, which owes the company GH₵ 3,153,484.98, NPA owes GH₵252,731.98 among other government institutions.Private entities such as Nyanho Clinic owe a debt of GH₵ 448,942.64

    Officials of the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) say the disconnection exercise targeting indebted state institutions is part of a broader initiative to tackle persistent non-payment and improve the financial stability of the power sector.

    Customers have also been urged to use their regular channels, including the ECG Mobile App, to pay their bills. Download the app from the Google Play Store, or call the ECG contact center at 0302611611 or social media handles for assistance.

    Per reports, the ECG is drowning in debt over GHC67 billion. The ECG has on numerous occasions embarked on revenue mobilization exercises but is yet to retrieve all the money owed the company.

    Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Dr Shafic Suleman, has lauded the Electricity Company of Ghana for improved revenue collection in the first quarter of 2025.

    According to him, ECG has collected almost GHC1.4 billion every month since the beginning of the year.

    ECG over the years has repeatedly pointed to massive debts owed by both private and public institutions as a major factor in the sector’s financial struggles.

    Ghana’s energy sector is wallowing in a ballooning debt of about GH¢80 billion, according to President John Mahama, who outlined plans to clear it by 2026 through restructuring and private sector involvement.

    The current government inherited GH¢70 billion in energy sector debt from the previous administration. Despite efforts to clear some of this debt, financial challenges persist.

    Among the initiatives taken by the current government to deal with this debt was the introduction of the ‘controversial’ GHC1 fuel levy, which charges a cedi on every litre of petroleum products in Ghana, aimed at tackling the country’s energy sector debt, which currently stands at $3.7 billion.

    A successful rollout could have generated revenue ranging from about GH¢5 billion to GH¢6 billion to support the procurement of liquid fuel.

    However, the announcement was met with harsh criticisms from both industry players and commercial transport drivers, who even threatened a sit-down strike if implemented.The International Monetary Fund (IMF), on the other hand, welcomed the implementation of the Energy Sector Shortfall and Debt Repayment Levy that introduces a GHC1 fuel levy.

    At a press briefing, Julie Kozack noted that the country stands a better chance of addressing its energy sector crisis with the implementation of the levy.

  • Fire outbreak wipes out wooden structures at Madina Ritz Junction

    Fire outbreak wipes out wooden structures at Madina Ritz Junction

    A devastating fire has swept through multiple wooden structures at Madina Ritz Junction in Accra.

    This was disclosed by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) through a Facebook post on Tuesday, July 15.

    According to GNFS, three fire engines from the Madina, Legon, and Abelemkpe were present at the scene to douse the fire.

    “Rigorous firefighting operations are currently underway. Trust your gallant firefighters to swiftly work hard to bring the situation under control,” parts of the post read.

    The victims have been left with nothing to recover; they have therefore appealed to the government to come to their aid.

    Meanwhile, the cause of the fire outbreak has yet to be ascertained, and no casualties have been reported.

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has provided statistics on fire outbreaks so far this year. There has been a slight increase in fire cases nationwide in the first half of 2025.

    A comparison of data from January to June last year and that of this year’s first six months indicates that Ghana recorded 3,595 fire cases.

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service, that is about 19 more cases than the 3,576 cases recorded during the same time in 2024, a sharp increase in cases representing a 0.53% rise.

    The monthly breakdown of fire cases reported this year is as follows: January (964), February (678), March (619), April (483), May (457), and June (394).

    The Greater Accra Region recorded the highest number of fire incidents, with 628 cases, followed by the Ashanti Region with 581 cases and the Central Region with 408. The North East Region reported the lowest number of incidents—just 10

    During an interview on Tuesday, July 8, the Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Desmond Ackah, revealed that due to their improved and swift response to fire cases, they have been able to save over GHC203 million worth of property in the last two quarters of 2025.

    Below are the top causes of fire incidents, according to the Ghana National Fire Service.

    Electrical faults from illegal connections, poor wiring, and overloading of circuits. Improper use of electrical appliances, such as overused extension cords and unattended devices.

    Unattended cooking, especially with gas, electric, or coal-based stoves. Careless use of naked flames like candles, mosquito coils, lighters, and matches.

    Gas leakages and poor handling of LPG cylinders. Bush and vegetation burning, particularly during the dry season. Vehicle fires are due to poor maintenance and road accidents. Unsafe welding and other hot-work practices. Deliberate acts of arson.

    Meanwhile, GNFS has reported a significant improvement in the fight against prank calls. The Service recorded a dramatic 34.77% reduction in prank calls, having recorded about 364,020 prank calls in the first half of 2024, as against 237,470 in 2025.

    The Service attributed the reduction in prank calls to consistent public education campaigns and increased awareness of the legal consequences of misusing emergency lines.

  • Cause of Tudu fire yet to be determined – GNFS

    Cause of Tudu fire yet to be determined – GNFS

    Authorities have yet to determine the cause of a fire that broke out early Saturday morning at Tudu, affecting two shops on the fourth floor of a commercial building.

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) responded promptly, deploying three fire tenders to contain the blaze and prevent further damage.

    Divisional Officer I (DOI) Alex King Nartey, from the GNFS Public Relations Department, confirmed that while the fire has been successfully controlled, investigations are underway to establish what triggered it.

    “Due to the timely intervention of our fire tenders here, this whole building has been salvaged from the fire,” he stated.

    No casualties have been reported, but authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage and identify the source of the fire.

  • Fatal crash claims driver’s life on N1 highway

    Fatal crash claims driver’s life on N1 highway

    A driver has lost their life in a fatal accident on Sunday afternoon along Accra’s N1 highway.

    The incident took place between the Fiesta Royale traffic light and Abofu junction, where the driver, operating a white Honda with registration number GW 2795-Q, collided with the rear of a trailer and became trapped.

    The front of the Honda sustained severe damage, rendering the windshield and roof beyond repair.

    Emergency responders from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) quickly arrived at the scene to extricate the driver, but unfortunately, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

  • Recent fire outbreak at Circle was caused by gas stove leakage – GNFS

    Recent fire outbreak at Circle was caused by gas stove leakage – GNFS

    Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) into yesterday’s fire incident near the Odaw drain and railway line, Circle indicate that it was caused by an unattended gas stove.

    The fire, which broke out late Wednesday afternoon in an area known as ECOMOG, destroyed 300 of the 450 structures, with firemen managing to save 150 structures.

    “Our team is currently at the scene to continue with investigations to ascertain the actual cause of the fire but preliminary investigations suggest that somebody was cooking and left the gas stove unattended to and that led to this fire,” the Deputy National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of the GNFS, Divisional Officer (DO III), Desmond Ackah, said.

    The incident caused a power outage in Adabraka, New Town, and surrounding communities.

    This marks the second fire in this area in two years, following a similar incident in February 2022 that led to an unsuccessful evacuation order.

    Mr Ackah stated that the service received a distress call around 3:35 p.m. and quickly deployed fire engines, arriving at the scene at 5:43 p.m. By then, the fire was already out of control, necessitating the deployment of four additional fire engines.

    “During the fire fighting, we received information that some people could not be accounted for and, therefore, we had to do a thorough search to ascertain that but as of this morning, we are getting reports that they have not been able to find one person so our team is on the ground to continue with thorough investigation,” he told

    Despite these challenges, firemen were able to douse the fire around 10:57 p.m. the same night.

    Although there were no casualties, one person remains unaccounted for.

    The fire has displaced many people. Ackah urged authorities to assist the victims and consider relocating them to safer shelters. He also called for increased security in the area to prevent future incidents, noting that illegal activities and connections are prevalent.

    Greater Accra Regional Minister Titus Glover has visited the site to assess the situation and issued a stern warning against rebuilding structures.

    He stated that anyone attempting to rebuild would be arrested and assured that enforcement measures would be in place.

    “We don’t want to have any third fire; therefore, they should prepare to leave. We will make sure we put men on the ground to ensure nobody lives here. Anyone who tries to rebuild a structure here will be arrested,” he cautioned.

  • GRIDCo high voltage line at Circle was destroyed by recent fire outbreak – GNFS

    GRIDCo high voltage line at Circle was destroyed by recent fire outbreak – GNFS

    Preliminary investigations by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) into yesterday’s fire incident near the Odaw drain and railway line indicate that it was caused by an unattended gas stove.

    The fire, which broke out late Wednesday afternoon in an area known as ECOMOG, destroyed 300 of the 450 structures, with firemen managing to save 150 structures.

    The incident caused a power outage in Adabraka, New Town, and surrounding communities.

    This marks the second fire in this area in two years, following a similar incident in February 2022 that led to an unsuccessful evacuation order.

    Ackah stated that the service received a distress call around 3:35 p.m. and quickly deployed fire engines, arriving at the scene at 5:43 p.m. By then, the fire was already out of control, necessitating the deployment of four additional fire engines.

  • Federation of Kumasi Traders Association threaten to drag GNFS, Kejetia management to court

    Federation of Kumasi Traders Association threaten to drag GNFS, Kejetia management to court

    Chairman of the Federation of Kumasi Traders Association, Nana Prempeh is gearing up for legal action against the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and Kejetia Market‘s management in Kumasi.

    His threat stems from the market’s alleged operation without a fire certificate and insurance cover, a clear breach of GNFS’s Legal Instrument (LI) 1724.

    In an exclusive interview with Kojo Marfo on AbusuaNkommo, Nana Prempeh voiced his frustration at the lack of concern surrounding the market’s compliance with essential safety regulations.

    “I am a trader, but I am going to sue two entities, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Kumasi City Market, for allowing the market to operate without a licence. I know that the GNFS has the mandate to close down any commercial facility operating without a Fire Certificate and Insurance Cover, and I want to test the law,” he declared.

    Backing his claims with evidence, Nana Prempeh pointed out that Kejetia Market has been without insurance cover since November 2021.

    “Kejetia is a commercial facility, and the National Insurance Commission has made it clear that every commercial entity must be insured. However, I know for a fact that from November 2021 till date, the Kejetia Market has not been insured.”

    He also highlighted deficiencies in the market’s fire safety infrastructure, emphasising the absence of a fire certificate despite the presence of a fire post.

    “We are operating in the market at our own risk, the market does not have insurance cover because Kejetia Market is not fireworthy per the national fire service standard.”
    Additionally, Nana Prempeh raised concerns about market congestion and its potential impact on the longevity of the Market Complex Infrastructure.

    “The facility is a new technology that the Brazilians brought. Have we asked ourselves about the lifespan of this market? The market was built with bolts and nuts with boards. Are we also minded it was built in a waterlogged area?” he questioned, underscoring broader issues affecting the market’s sustainability.

  • GHC1.2 million worth of of palm oil gallons ravaged by fire at Akyem New Tafo 

    GHC1.2 million worth of of palm oil gallons ravaged by fire at Akyem New Tafo 

    A devastating fire has swept through the YWCA-31st December Palm Oil production factory in Akyem New Tafo, Ghana, causing extensive damage and economic turmoil.

    The inferno, lasting nearly five hours before being extinguished by Ghana National Fire Service personnel, razed the entire structure to the ground.

    The blaze consumed approximately 3000 gallons of palm oil, valued at over 1.2 million cedis, along with vital production machinery and tons of related products.

    This catastrophe has disrupted the livelihoods of over 100 artisanal female palm producers and labourers, leaving them in dire straits.

    Victims like Mary Mensah and Bashabirafatu, who relied on the factory for their families’ support, shared heartbreaking stories of loss and uncertainty about their future.

    “My son is in university, this is what I do to take care of him. I was at the funeral when they called me that fire has burnt everything here. I have everything so government should help us we don’t have farms, this is what we do to survive,” Mary Mensah, a palm oil producer, lamented while weeping.

    “This is what I do to take care of my three children in Senior High School. I am a widow so I have told my children they have to stop school because I have lost all my investments. I don’t know where I am going to get money to help them so we are pleading to government to urgently help us”.

    Lydia Annor Blay, who was in the midst of supplying international markets, recounted the devastation of losing everything in the fire.

    “Since the incident happened I have been sick because I lost everything, all my investments have been lost to the fire. I had made the production of about 50 jerricans of a gallon of palm oil for supply to USA all have been burnt. We have widows, and orphans all working here. We went for loans, all have been lost. We appealed to President Akufo-Addo to help us,” Lydia Annor Blay recounted her losses.

    Gloria Obeng Peprah, a pregnant labourer, emphasised the urgent need for government assistance to help those affected survive this crisis.

    “I am a pregnant woman but I come here to work, at least I get between GHS50 and sometimes GHS100 a day here. Dozens of labourers come here to work and they all get something to survive on so we are appealing to government to help”.

    The destruction of the factory not only impacts immediate economic challenges but also threatens the broader palm oil value chain, affecting families across the region.


    Established in the 1990s, the YWCA-31st December Palm Oil Production factory served not only the domestic market but also supplied products to Nigeria, Togo, Benin, Ivory Coast and with individual customers in Europe.

    Its destruction not only presents immediate economic challenges but also threatens to disrupt the broader palm oil value chain, affecting hundreds of families reliant on this source of income.

    In response to the crisis, the Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa North, Alhaji Umar Bodinga, who visited the scene with his entourage appealed to the Gratis Foundation and other corporate organizations and agencies to aid in rebuilding the factory to restore livelihoods for the affected individuals.

    “Unfortunately the assembly does not have money to rebuild the facility and provide the machinery. We can try and put up the structure but we can’t afford the machinery so we will write the various agencies to help us rebuild the factory urgently else the implications are going to be dire.”
    In response, local authorities, including the Municipal Chief Executive for Abuakwa North, are appealing to organisations and agencies for support in rebuilding the factory and restoring livelihoods.

    The National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has conducted assessments, but substantial relief support remains uncertain, underscoring the critical need for government intervention to aid in reconstruction and help affected families recover.

  • We will be forced to boycott areas that attack our men – GNFS

    We will be forced to boycott areas that attack our men – GNFS

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued a stern warning of potential boycotts or blacklisting of specific areas following a surge in attacks on firefighters.

    The alert was prompted by an incident on February 10 in Konongo, where irate residents assaulted fire officers, blaming them for a delayed response that led to the destruction of a fire engine.

    In an interview on Citi TV, GNFS Public Relations Officer ADO 1, Alex King Nartey, revealed that outdated equipment is a significant factor contributing to delayed response times.


    Mr Nartey emphasized the concerning age of the majority of fire engines, ranging from 15 to 20 years old.

    “The unfortunate thing is that we always say that our logistics are very lacking. Most of our fire tenders are between 15, getting to 20 years old, a very worrying situation. As I speak to you now, Kasoa and Weija, their tender fighting is out of commission so if there’s any fire at Kasoa, the appliance will either have to move from Anyaa or Budumburam, that’s very bad.

    “So it means that if there is any fire within the Budumburam area, and one of the Budumburam probably attended to that fire, it means we have to call a much further appliance probably from Dansoman to attend to it. So you see the little appliances that we have left, we are trying to salvage it.”

    “So it becomes very appalling when they turn to put their frustration on us. So what we are deciding to do is to embark on a boycott of areas that are known to always want to attack our men because as we speak, a few days after this report was made, another attack happened to our men at Ahafo. Three or Four have been hospitalized, and I’m even hearing at Nkawie, another issue has happened,” he said.

    He highlighted the impact of non-functional equipment in specific areas, such as Kasoa and Weija, emphasizing that their fire tender fighting is currently out of commission.

    This results in the need to deploy appliances from more distant locations, exacerbating response delays.

    Expressing frustration, Nartey explained the potential consequences: “So it becomes very appalling when they turn to put their frustration on us. So what we are deciding to do is to embark on a boycott of areas that are known to always want to attack our men.”

    Mr Nartey urged the government to invest in new equipment and advocated for the establishment of additional fire stations in communities.

    He also called on Assembly members to actively engage in educating residents about fire safety to address the root causes of these challenges.

  • Eastern Region fire outbreaks decreased in 2023 – Report

    Eastern Region fire outbreaks decreased in 2023 – Report

    In the 2022/2023 fiscal year, the Ghana National Fire Service’s Eastern Regional Command reported a noteworthy 10.77% reduction in fire outbreaks.

    The statistical analysis revealed a decline in the total number of fire incidents within the region, dropping from 650 cases in 2022 to 580 cases in 2023.

    The recorded incidents encompassed diverse categories such as domestic, industrial, vehicular, commercial, institutional, and bushfires.

    Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO I) Jennifer N.Y. Quaye, the Eastern Regional Commander of the GNFS, shared insights in an interview with the Ghana News Agency.

    Ms. Quaye attributed the decrease in institutional and bushfire cases in 2023 to intensified fire safety education efforts by the regional command.

    However, she highlighted an increase in domestic, industrial, and commercial fire outbreaks in 2023, suggesting a lapse in public adherence to optimal fire safety practices.

    Ms. Quaye outlined plans to bolster fire safety education, targeting locations such as lorry stations, schools, churches, and mosques. The initiative will also include a door-to-door campaign and leverage various social media platforms to effectively reach a broader audience.

    She added, “I call on the public to grant fire personnel an audience when the education commences to reduce fire outbreaks drastically.”

    In addition, she recommended that people avoid using phony or subpar cables when wiring their buildings and instead hire licensed electricians.

    “Install fire alarms, smoke detectors, and fire extinguishers on your premises to ensure early detection of fires before they get out of hand,” she said.

    The Regional Command assured the public of its readiness to respond to any emergency call within the mandate.

  • Over 656k prank calls were placed to GNFS in 2023

    A total of 656, 591 prank calls were recorded by the Ghana National Fire Service in 2023, authorities have revealed.  

    The incidents, which overstretched the operations of the Service happened between January and November 2023.  

    Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Mr Julius Kuunuor, while acknowledging that the prank calls had put the rescuers’ lives in danger and created room for wastage of fuel, he admonished Ghanaians. 

    “When we engage in prank calls, we put incident responders at risk and waste fuel also,” he said.  

    Mr Kuunuor urged the public to desist from such practices because the Service would not entertain such deviant behaviours in 2024 and beyond.  

    Fire outbreaks also reduced by 4.92 per cent for the first eleven months of 2023 with 5256 incidents recorded as compared to 5,530 incidents recorded in the same period in 2022.   

    The Chief Fire Officer attributed the reduction to the extensive Public Fire Safety Education carried out nationwide.   

    “Through the timely intervention of the Service, property worth millions of cedis was salvaged,” he said. 

    The Service intended to build clinics in all the regions and would start the construction of a Fire Trauma Hospital to provide adequate healthcare for personnel and the public this year.  

    It is in the process of signing a Memorandum of Understanding with some universities to train Fire personnel in the relevant fields from undergraduate to postgraduate programmes. 

    The University of Cape Coast, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA) and University of Energy and Natural Resources are being engaged for the training.  

    “The Service in collaboration with the Government is in the process of procuring Fire Appliances and Equipment, including Dual Purpose Tenders, Water Tankers, Rapid Intervention Vehicles and Utility Vehicles and Command Vehicles in 2024,” Mr Kuunuor said. 

    The new appliances would replace the obsolete fire appliances at the Fire Stations and also ensure the opening of more Fire Stations to improve response time. 

  • Increasing prank calls exert pressure on emergency response in Ashanti Region – Chief Fire Officer

    Increasing prank calls exert pressure on emergency response in Ashanti Region – Chief Fire Officer

    The Ashanti Regional Office of the Ghana National Fire Service has revealed a significant rise in prank calls, with the monthly count surpassing 20,000. This surge in non-emergency calls is posing a challenge to the efficient operation of the emergency response system in the region.

    The upsurge has compelled officials to issue a warning to the public, underscoring its adverse effects on the Fire Service’s capacity to promptly respond to authentic emergencies.

    ACFO 1 Henry Giwah, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service who expressed worry about the situation said the daily influx of more than 2,000 prank calls creates unnecessary hurdles for the Fire Service, diverting resources away from real emergencies.

    The Regional Chief Fire Officer warned against such misuse and disclosed that measures are being implemented to collaborate with the police and the judicial service to prosecute such offenders.

    “Prank calls persist”, Giwah said.

    “Every day when you go to our control room, even right now. You see the number of prank calls that come. Averagely eighty to nighty per hour and over 2000 a day”.

    “One thing we do is that when you call, because of these prank calls, when you call fire service, we always want to call you back. And even listen to the environment where you are. Sometimes we spend time to educate these callers and that divert attention to other emergencies. What we are doing is that we are compiling the names and forward them to the police to deal with them”, he stated.

  • Fire outbreaks declined by 4.92% in 2023 – GNFS

    Fire outbreaks declined by 4.92% in 2023 – GNFS


    The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Mr. Julius Kuunuor, has reported a decrease in nationwide fire outbreaks in 2023 compared to figures from 2022.

    According to Mr. Kuunuor, the incidents reduced by 4.92%, with 5,256 recorded incidents in the first 11 months of 2023, down from 5,530 in the same period of 2022.

    This decline is attributed to extensive Public Fire Safety Education initiatives carried out nationwide, which contributed to the timely intervention of the Service, saving properties worth millions of cedis.

    “This is due to the extensive Public Fire Safety Education carried out nationwide. Through the timely intervention of the Service, properties worth millions of cedis were salvaged,” he said.

    Mr. Kuunuor made these remarks at the GNFS Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols and its 60th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service, where distinguished retiring fire officers were honored, and young service personnel were recognized.

    The theme for the occasion was “Reflect the qualities of God our Maker,” emphasizing qualities of God as a Rescuer.

    In addition to the reduction in fire incidents, the GNFS attended to 532 road traffic accidents, recording 2,557 injuries and 263 deaths from January 1, 2023, to November 30, 2023.

    The Service also conducted 177 rescue duties, addressing incidents such as drowning, bee attacks, and elevator entrapments.

    Furthermore, the GNFS carried out 17,877 fire safety education sessions in public and private institutions, markets, churches, mosques, and schools nationwide. In terms of Human Resources Development, the Fire Academy and Training School in James Town, Accra, trained 1,000 recruits and 339 Officer Cadets.

    However, the Service mourned the loss of 37 personnel in the year, including 18 senior officers and 19 junior officers as of November 30.

    The Minister of Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery, praised the GNFS for its dedicated service and commitment to ensuring the safety and security of communities.

    Speaking on his behalf, Mrs. Doreen Annan, Acting Chief Director of the Ministry, urged the public to prioritize safety measures, such as installing smoke detectors, regularly checking electrical appliances, exercising caution with open flames, and educating families on emergency evacuation procedures.

    The occasion also saw the recognition and awarding of senior retired officers, including DCFO Gilbert Wiafe, DCFO Obeng Dankwa Dwamena, DCFO Paa Kwasi Adutwum, among others, for their selfless service and dedication. They were presented with Smart TVs, plaques, and citations.

    “Let us embrace the spirit of gratitude, unity, and commitment as we look forward to a safer and more secure future for our beloved nation.”

  • Public is urged to seriously consider fire safety precautions

    Public is urged to seriously consider fire safety precautions

    Divisional Officer I (DOI) Peter Tetteh, Deputy Bono Regional Fire Commander of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), is urging the public to actively support and adhere to strict fire safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks in the region.

    DOI Tetteh reported that from January to October 2023, the region experienced 181 fire incidents, a decrease from the 216 recorded during the same period the previous year. He expressed the hope for zero fire incidents to safeguard lives and property.

    Speaking at the regional inauguration of a five-member fire safety task force tasked with educating the public on precautionary measures, DOI Tetteh emphasized the mandatory nature of control management and obtaining fire safety certificates and permits when constructing buildings.

    He highlighted the requirement for households to possess fire detectors and extinguishers before being issued a fire certificate. DOI Tetteh urged the public to actively participate in safety training programs to enhance their ability to respond to fire emergencies.

    DOI Tetteh assured that the Regional Fire Service remained committed to sensitizing the public through various channels, including personal interactions, public information centers, and local radio stations.

    Emphasizing that fire safety is a collective responsibility, he called on the public to collaborate with the task force to fulfill its mandate and reduce the incidence of fires.

    Divisional Officer III Paulina Jatuant, the Regional Fire Safety Inspector, stated that the task force would inspect fire certificates at all types of premises and encouraged its members to effectively carry out their responsibilities to achieve optimal results. She reiterated the commitment of the fire safety department to collaborate with other stakeholders for the proper implementation and enforcement of regulations.

  • Fire Service begins probe into CMB fire incident

    Fire Service begins probe into CMB fire incident

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has initiated a comprehensive investigation to ascertain the origin of the fire that occurred on Sunday at the CMB Market in Accra.

    This fire, which ignited at 5:00 a.m. on Sunday, resulted in extensive damage to numerous houses and shops, leaving a considerable number of individuals in a state of distress.

    Upon receiving the alarm, GNFS firefighters promptly rushed to the location. However, by the time they arrived, the fire had already engulfed multiple shops.

    ACFO I Timothy Osafo-Affum, the Director of Public Relations, confirmed in an interview with the Ghana News Agency that skilled investigators have been dispatched to the site to determine the precise cause of the fire.

    “The first investigation was done by the firefighters but now a team of professional investigators have been sent to assist in finding out the actual cause of the fire,” he stated.

    During a visit by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to the CMB Market, scenes of distress and resilience unfolded. Victims were observed assessing their losses, some sifting through the debris in hopes of salvaging any remaining items.

    Additionally, individuals with somber expressions gathered in groups, sharing their experiences and discussing their plans for the future in the aftermath of the fire.

    Former vice-presidential candidate Madam Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, who ran alongside Mr. John Dramani Mahama of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), also visited the site on Monday to engage with the fire victims.

    In the midst of this challenging situation, the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) has taken steps to provide temporary accommodations for the victims of the fire.

  • 662 fires cases recorded in Greater Accra in first half of 2023 – GNFS

    662 fires cases recorded in Greater Accra in first half of 2023 – GNFS

    The Greater Accra Region of the Ghana National Fire Service recorded a 3% increase in fire outbreaks in the first half of 2023. The region recorded 662 fires in the first half of 2023, as against 640 fires for the same period in 2022.

    Data from the Accra Regional Fire Command indicates that at least 66 people died and 24 others suffered injuries due to fire outbreaks and other related incidents in the first half of this year.

    This is against 69 deaths and 162 injuries recorded in the previous year.

    This was disclosed by the Greater Accra Regional Fire Commander, ACFO I Roberta Aggrey Ghanson during a media engagement at the Regional Headquarters in Accra.

    Ghana recorded an increase in fire outbreaks from January to July this year compared to the same period in 2022, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

    Chief Fire Officer, Julius Kuunor noted that a total of 3,819 fire outbreaks were responded to by fire fighters in 2023, as against 3,678 cases last year.

    This represents an increase of 3.8 per cent in fire outbreaks in the country.

    The data was provided at the launch of the 2023 Fire Safety Week in connection with the 60th Anniversary in Accra, on the theme; ‘60 Years of Existence: Fire Safety, the Choice for a Safer Environment’.

    Out of the total 3,819 fire outbreaks recorded in the period under review, 1,478 were domestic fires, followed by commercial fires, 636, bush fires, 559, electrical fires, 455, vehicular fires, 363, refuse dump fires, 168, institutional fires, 146, and industrial fires 14.

    A breakdown of the fire outbreak cases recorded this year so far reveals that 827 cases were recorded in January, 728 cases in February, 622 cases in March,  506 cases in April, 428 cases in May, 337 cases in June, and 371 cases in July.

    Meanwhile, ACFO I Ghanson, has charged the public to be fire safety conscious to prevent these unwanted fires.

  • Fire wipes out 15 wooden structures in Ashaiman, Official Town

    Fire wipes out 15 wooden structures in Ashaiman, Official Town

    A fire outbreak razed approximately 15 wooden structures in Official Town, Ashaiman, on Friday, August 4, around 5:00 pm.

    Addressing the press, Gladys Adenyo, a survivor, recounted how she and her three children narrowly escaped the inferno with only their lives and the clothes they were wearing.

    Sitting under a tree opposite her house, Gladys spotted smoke emanating from a room, prompting her to alert neighbors and seek assistance from the nearby Ashaiman Municipal Fire station.

    Ghana National Fire Service personnel arrived swiftly to quell the fire, aided by concerned residents.

    Tragically, victims like Gladys lost everything to the blaze, including her newly settled home.

    Gladys, a single mother who had moved to Official Town three months prior, described the incident as a devastating setback.

    Apart from shelter, she’s anxious about her children’s schooling as their uniforms, shoes, and books were reduced to ashes.

    Amidst tears, Gladys appealed for support from those capable of helping her family through this challenging period. Another victim, Patience Awako, also pleaded for assistance, as she, her five children, and an elderly deaf and dumb woman have no place to stay.

    Assistant Divisional Fire Officer (ADOI) Matthew Kumi, Second in Command at the Ashaiman Municipal Fire Station, reported a 20-minute firefighting effort to contain the blaze. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

    ADOI Matthew Kumi advised Ashaiman residents to avoid fire-prone activities and emphasized ongoing fire prevention education. He urged them to contact Ghana National Fire Service at 192 or 112 in emergencies.

  • One feared dead, others injured after health facility at Kasoa Amanfrom collapses

    One feared dead, others injured after health facility at Kasoa Amanfrom collapses

    Tragic incident as Restoration Health Birth Care Center in Kasoa Amanfrom collapses, possibly resulting in one fatality.

    Additionally, four individuals have been injured and are receiving medical treatment at the Kasoa Polyclinic.

    Authorities from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and the Ghana Police Service are currently at the scene conducting investigations.

    The deceased has been transported to the mortuary for preservation and further examination through an autopsy.

    The cause of the collapse remains unknown, but witnesses claim it occurred during light showers.

  • Akyem Oda: Two siblings perish in abandoned swimming pool

    Akyem Oda: Two siblings perish in abandoned swimming pool

    Two siblings, 13-year-old Esther Dede and 6-year-old Kofi Asare have lost their lives after drowning in an isolated pool at Akyem Oda.

    Grace Asare, a trader and the single parent of the children recounting the incident to the Daily Graphic at Oda, revealed that the three children, including the deceased, had gone out to play near an abandoned pool situated close to a defunct sawmill.

    According to her, a four-year-old boy who was playing with Esther came to inform them that their ball had fallen into the pool, which was just a few meters away from their residence.

    Ms. Asare explained that Esther ventured to retrieve the ball but unfortunately fell into the pool. Distressed by his sister’s drowning, young Kofi attempted to rescue her, but tragically, both of them lost their lives.

    Overwhelmed with grief, Ms. Asare tearfully shared that Kofi had celebrated his fourth birthday earlier that day.

    However, some residents of the neighbourhood disputed Ms. Asare’s account, asserting that her negligence was responsible for the tragic loss of her two children.

    They claimed that when residents alerted Ms. Asare that her children were struggling for survival in the pool, she did not take the matter seriously and instead focused on preparing her supper.

    According to witnesses, it was only in the late evening that Ms. Asare realized her two children had not returned home. She promptly informed the neighbours, who joined her in a search for the children. Regrettably, they discovered the lifeless bodies of Esther and Kofi floating in the pool. Subsequently, a complaint was lodged with the Oda Police.

    Personnel from the Oda Police and the Ghana National Fire Service were called in, and they successfully retrieved the bodies from the pool. The authorities have deposited the remains at the Oda Government Hospital for autopsy and preservation.

  • Accra recorded 10 fire incidents on Sunday – GNFS

    Accra recorded 10 fire incidents on Sunday – GNFS

    Ten fire incidents were recorded in Accra on Sunday, May 21, 2023, according to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

    This comes after a bakery and some shops were burnt at Kotobabi Abavanna Down and a similar incident at Circle Tiptoe Lane which also led to the destruction of several shops.

    Although no casualties were recorded, properties worth thousands of cedis were lost to the inferno on Sunday.

    Speaking to the media, an official at the Public Relations Department of the National Fire Service Headquarters ADOII Alex Nartey urged the public to take precautionary measures against such incidents in the rainy reason.

    “We are in the rainy season; we are cautioning people to be cautious of their activities. People should learn to be abreast with safety measures. Between 1am to 5am on Sunday, we attended to 10 fires in Accra alone. If you run a bakery or a commercial entity like this, you have to learn how to practice better fire safety measures,” ADOII Alex Nartey advised.

  • Driver trapped in truck with Cashew nuts dies

    Driver trapped in truck with Cashew nuts dies

    A driver has lost his life after he was trapped in a truck.

    Firefighters from the Ejisu Fire Station were on Sunday, 14 May 2023, dispatched to respond to a twin accident and fire incident involving a Man Diesel Truck with registration number GA 5246 – 10 at Juaso Water Works in the Asante Akim South of the Ashanti Region.

    According to the Fire Service, the dispatch from Ejisu Fire Station was due to an out-of-commission Konongo Fire Engine which could have gotten to the incident scene within 10 minutes to save the situation if it were to be functional at the time of the incident.

    The Crew got to the twin incident scene and after a quick assessment, found that the affected Man Diesel Truck was scattered at the scene due to impact of the crash.

    The driver’s mate, Mutala Yussif, 16 years, had escaped unhurt after the crash but the driver of the affected Man Diesel Truck, Sumaila Ibrahim, 36 years, was found trapped in the head compartment of the truck and badly burnt while about 500 bags of cashew nuts were on fire.

    The firefighters doused the raging fire, retrieved the badly charred body of the deceased driver and handed it over to the Juaso Police for preservation and further investigation. The Man Diesel Truck and its contents also suffered fire damage.

    According to the driver’s mate, a car wrongfully overtook their Tema-bound Man Diesel Truck which forced the driver to veer off its lane to save the overtaking car. The driver of the Truck then lost control to hit the pavement of the steel bridge causing great friction between the trailer and the metal rails of the bridge and as a result, the truck somersaulted and landed on the shoulder of the road and in a nearby bush with scattered parts.

    Preliminary investigation showed that sufficient sparks from the trailer’s impact with the steel bridge caused the fire which gutted the rear of the trailer and also set the 500 bags of cashew nuts in the trailer alight.

    The fire then spread quickly and affected the head compartment to burn the deceased driver who got trapped and could not escape the fire.

  • International Firefighters’ Day: Ghana celebrates its firemen

    International Firefighters’ Day: Ghana celebrates its firemen

    A memorial service for fallen firefighters who perished in the line of duty was held in Accra last Thursday to honor International Firefighters’ Day.

    The celebration’s theme was “Recognizing the sacrifices of Firefighters and Our Fallen Heroes.”

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) also launched its 60th anniversary celebration at the event.

    The Chief Fire Officer of the GNFS, Julius Aalebkure Kuunor, said it was important to honour the memory of the departed fire officers for the sacrifices they made.

    “What remains hidden to the general public is the risk firefighters go through by the minute to keep them safe.

    “Their good works will follow them to their Maker and we shall not forget them,” he added.

    In attendance at the event included the Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery; the Chairman of the Fire Service Council, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi; Directors of the GNFS, retired chief fire officers and some family members of the departed firefighters.

    The Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, who launched the anniversary celebration, commended the firefighters for their tireless efforts and for staying true to the cause of saving lives and properties.

    The year-long celebration is themed: “60 years of existence: The role of the Ghana National Fire Service in national development “.

    Mr Dery said the celebration offered a unique opportunity to reset and adapt to the changing times in line with international standards of firefighting.  

    Prayers were said for the lost souls who were also posthumously presented with the “Firefighter Coin”, specially minted and engraved with images and symbols that represent the firefighters’ courage, bravery and dedication to service.

  • Fuel tanker explodes at Mamfe mountains

    Fuel tanker explodes at Mamfe mountains

    On Saturday, May 6, 2023 a fuel tanker exploded at Mamfe in the Eastern region, while descending the mountains.

    According to an eyewitness, the situation is serious as the tanker continues to explode multiple times.

    He said the entire stretch of road has been engulfed in flames hence vehicles plying the road are unable to cross creating gridlock.

    Many passengers are therefore stranded.

    No casualty confirmed so far.

    Motorists are to use Koforidua to Adukrom road to join Mamfe, Aburi and continue to Accra as fire fighters were yet to arrive to extinguish the fire.

    Multiple crashes have recently been recorded on that stretch of the road.

    Scores of passengers were reportedly injured after a Toyota Fish with registration number GX 8555-20 and a Toyota Hiace with registration number GW 6185-16 were involved in a crash on Akuapem Mamfe mountains in the Eastern region.

    The Toyota Fish vehicle somersaulted severally before landing on the side of the road.

    Occupants of the Toyota Fish suffered critical injuries but those in the Toyota Hiace survived with minor injuries.

    They were rushed to Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital.

    The crash occured less than 24 hours after a driver of Xugong Mobile Crane vehicle died in a fatal crash on same stretch of Mamfe to Koforidua road.

    The driver was descending the mountain when he lost control of the steering wheel leading to the crash.

    Personnel of the Ghana Police Service and Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) who went to the scene observed that the Xugong mobile crane with registration number GS 8400-11 was partially in the bush on the shoulder of the road with the occupant (driver or operator) nowhere to be found.

    The driver was later found lying motionless in the nearby bush during a search .

    He was rushed to Tetteh Quarshie Memorial Hospital by the Police but pronounced dead on arrival.

  • Replace firemen killed in the course of duty with qualifying relatives – Interior Minister to GNFS

    Replace firemen killed in the course of duty with qualifying relatives – Interior Minister to GNFS

    Minister of Interior, Mr. Ambrose Dery, has proposed that the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) implements a system that will substitute fire personnel who die in the line of duty with relatives who meet the necessary requirements.

    To the Minister, this scheme, if well implemented, will go a long way not only to ease the pain of family members who have lost a loved one in the service but also to boost the morale of fire officers.

    Mr. Abrose Dery said rewarding and honouring personnel who die during duty are the best motivating factor in any field of work.

    He, therefore, charged the GNFS to come out with modalities on how the scheme seeks to replace personnel who have lost their lives in the line of duty with family members with the right qualifications.

    The Minister also touched on benefits for firefighters who die of diseases in the discharge of their duties.

    So far, five firefighters have lost their lives in the line of duty.

  • The celebration of International Firefighters’ Day

    The celebration of International Firefighters’ Day

    A memorial service for fallen firefighters who died in the line of duty was held yesterday in Accra to honor International Firefighters’ Day.

    The celebration’s theme, which was “Recognizing the sacrifices of Firefighters and Our Fallen Heroes,” was commemorated around the world.

    At the occasion, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) also began its 60th anniversary celebration.

    Julius Aalebkure Kuunor, the Chief Fire Officer of the GNFS, stated that it was crucial to preserve the memories of the fallen fire officers in recognition of the sacrifices they made.

    “What the general public is unaware of is the risk firemen take every minute to keep them safe.

    “Their good works will follow them to their Maker and we shall not forget them,” he added.
     

    Event

    In attendance at the event included the Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery; the Chairman of the Fire Service Council, Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi; Directors of the GNFS, retired chief fire officers and some family members of the departed firefighters.

    Prayers were said for the lost souls who were also posthumously presented with the “Firefighter Coin”, specially minted and engraved with images and symbols that represent the firefighters’ courage, bravery and dedication to service.

    Among those honoured were Recruit Fireman (RFM) Ebenezer Boakye, who was involved in a motor accident together with six other officers who were responding to an emergency call in Obuasi, Ashanti Region, on June 6, 2022.

    Sacrifices

    Mr Kuunor lauded the courage and dedication of firefighters whom he said were constantly putting their lives on the line to serve the nation.

    He cited the recent Kumasi Kejetia Market Fire where he said his men worked assiduously to prevent the fire from spreading to other floors.  

    According to Mr Kuunor, the Ministry of the Interior, together with the Fire Service Council, was in the process of procuring more working tools such as dual purpose tenders, rapid intervention vehicles (RIVs) and firefighting motorbikes capable of navigating through traffic to respond to emergency situations in record time.  

    The Chief Sales Officer of GLICO Life Insurance Company, John Ekar Smart, said the company would continue to work closely with the GNFS and other stakeholders to promote fire safety awareness in the country.

    Commendation

    The Minister for the Interior, Ambrose Dery, who launched the anniversary celebration, commended the firefighters for their tireless efforts and for staying true to the cause of saving lives and properties.

    The year-long celebration is themed: “60 years of existence: The role of the Ghana National Fire Service in national development “.

    Mr Dery said the celebration offered a unique opportunity to reset and adapt to the changing times in line with international standards of firefighting.  

    The minister said firefighters were considered heroes and heroines because they always put their lives on the line for the people.

    “Many died in the line of duty, and those who are fortunate to have survived would have to live with scars and all forms of deformities for the rest of their lives,” he said.

  • Supervisor of collapsed three-storey building at Adentan arrested

    Supervisor of collapsed three-storey building at Adentan arrested

    The Police have arrested the supervisor of the three-story building that collapsed at Adentan in Accra on Monday.

    The structure, which was under construction, led to the death of one person and also left three other persons with injuries.

    Two of the injured persons have, however, been treated and discharged.

    The Municipal Chief Executive for La-Nkwantanang Madina, Jennifer Agyabeng has subsequently directed the confiscation of the equipment of the contractors after it emerged that the project had no permit.

    The NADMO director for the Assembly, Foster Arthur, in an interview with Citi News, said the police have commenced investigations into the matter.

    “It was revealed that they didn’t have a permit, so I invited the police to arrest the supervisor or the site foreman, Ganiyu Abdul, and he has been sent to the Adentan Police station.”

    The collapsed building was a three-storey building close to the Kpogas furniture and the Adentan footbridge around the SDA church junction and the West African Hardware Company.

    Meanwhile, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed that the three-storey building collapsed due to a crush of one of the pillars of the building by a concrete mixer resulting in a loss of balance in the building.

  • Four trapped in an accident on Buipe-Tamale highway

    Four trapped in an accident on Buipe-Tamale highway

    Four people got trapped in an accident involving two vehicles on the Buipe-Tamale highway in the Savannah Region.

    Personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) had to cut the vehicles to rescue the four.

    Three out of the four were sent to the Buipe District Hospital while the fourth person, who was critically injured, was sent to the Tamale Teaching Hospital.

    The accident involved two DAF vehicles with registration numbers BF 6161-D 503 and WR 2280-14.

    Personnel from the Savanna Fire Regional Command says eye witness accounts suggest the accident was caused by speeding on the part of the driver of the DAF, which hit the rear of the other DAF with registration number BF 6161-D 503.

  • First group of volunteers equipped to fight wildfires in Ghana

    First group of volunteers equipped to fight wildfires in Ghana

    Approximately 180 community people from 3 districts in the transitional landscape have been trained by EcoCare Ghana, Tropenbos Ghana, and the Ghana National Fire Service to act as the first responders to fire prevention, monitoring, and control with financial assistance from the European Union.

    The first batch of fire volunteers squad was inaugurated on Wednesday, January 25 and equipped with basic fire-fighting tools to aid their work.

    Speaking at the inauguration, the Co-founder and Managing Campaigner for EcoCare Ghana, Obed Owusu Addai, stated that it was important to train and equip community members on wildfire management to protect EcoCare Ghana and Tropenbos Ghana’s landscape restoration efforts and enhance food security.

    He said through the European Union-funded LEAN Project, the two organisations have invested heavily in tree planting and supported farmers to adopt climate-smart agriculture practices across the landscape and would be catastrophic if the gains made are lost to indiscriminate bush-burning.

    He noted with regret that, despite the constant education, bushfires are still rampant in the landscape.

    He added that the incidents have contributed to biodiversity loss, reduced soil fertility and contributed to poverty.

    He advised the fire volunteer squads and stakeholders to increase education in their communities on the impacts of indiscriminate bush burning and support the fire services to carry out their mandate in curbing wildfires.

    The Fire Safety Officer at Bono East Regional Fire Service, Imoro Ibrahim, acknowledged that the Ghana National Fire Service needs to collaborate with community members to end the menace of wildfires.

    He added that there have been several attempts to set up fire volunteer squads in the landscape, however, due to limited resources they haven’t been able to equip them to work effectively.

    He was optimistic that the support given to the volunteers through the LEAN Project will go a long way to help combat wildfires and reduce their destructive impact.

    The Deputy Bono East Regional Forestry Commission Director, Rev. Obour-Wiredu, reiterated the need for stakeholders in the transition landscape to collaborate.

    He cautioned farmers within the landscape to protect the environment against wildfires to safeguard food security for the country.

    The training of the fire volunteer squad is part of the Landscapes and Environmental Agility across the Nation (LEAN) Project.

    The four-year project is funded by the European Union’s flagship GCA+ initiative that aims to conserve biodiversity, build climate resilience, reduce emissions from land-use changes and help smallholder farmers improve their livelihoods.

    The project is being implemented in Ghana by a consortium of four partners: Rainforest Alliance in the High Forest Zone, World Vision Ghana in the Savannah and Tropenbos Ghana and EcoCare Ghana in the transition landscape respectively.

    The trained fire volunteers were selected from 15 communities in the Techiman Municipal and Offinso North and South Districts.
    Persistent wildfires during the dry season have become a norm in Ghana, contributing to the rapid loss of forest cover and high carbon emission which leads to climate change.

    The World Economic Forum in 2021 estimated that wildfires cost $50 billion globally per year and emit 6450 tonnes of Carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

    In Ghana, the transition landscape is one of the most wildfire-prone areas, leading to invaluable loss of farmlands and biodiversity.

  • Fire Service launches safety awareness walk in Accra

    Fire Service launches safety awareness walk in Accra

    The Greater Accra Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has embarked on an educational campaign through some of the principal streets of Accra. The education drive is to sensitise Ghanaians to be fire safety conscious during and after the Easter festivities.

    The education campaign started from the Regional Headquarters at Korle-Bu and went to Kaneshie, Abossey Okai, Sabon Zongo, Laterbiokoshie, and some principal streets in Accra.

    The firemen distributed flyers with messages on fire safety to the public. Officers from other security services joined in the campaign march with placards that also had inscriptions on fire safety.

    Sending the message of fire safety across, the Fire Officers carried placards with inscriptions: “Switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use in your home or office; do not overload sockets with many electrical gadgets; do not place electrical wires under carpets; and hire the services of a qualified electrician to work on your electrical installations.”

    Other messages include keeping a fire extinguisher in your car, avoiding the use of petrol or kerosene to revive a fire indoors, turning off the gas or electrical supply to your cooker immediately after use, and others.

    At Kaneshie, the team made a stopover to educate the public.
    The Regional Director of Safety, DO 1 Evans Osei Wusu, encouraged the public to continue to adhere to the safety protocols.

    He added that “The public, let us be their friends, and they should also be our friends; they should come to us if they do not understand anything.”

    “Our doors are always open; we do not close our doors at midnight. You can contact us about anything you want us to do for you. If there is any fire, they should not hesitate, wait and try to put the fire off before calling us, and if they put it off, they should still call us because they might be something hidden somewhere.”

    The Regional Commander, ACFO I Roberta Aggrey Ghanson, said the Ghana National Fire Service, GNFS, is ever ready to encourage and educate the public to minimize fires and ensure safety.

    “We have communicated to the world, that we are ready for our work, and we want everyone to be safety minded.”

    ACFO I Roberta Aggrey Ghanson said, “Let us live in unity because Mother Ghana wants us to live in peace, and once there is peace together, we can do it.”
    She urged all to continue to adhere to the safety messages. “Let us keep the route of escape safe; let us switch off all electrical gadgets when leaving home, among others, because we want you alive, and so it is the same access to be used by the emergency team when they are coming in to rescue you. As we are avoiding what we need to avoid, we say, let us keep our environment safe from fire and let us keep our route of escape safe for use.”

    The fire safety campaign march ended at the regional command at Korle-Bu, and the general consensus was that “fire safety is a shared responsibility.”

  • Multipac Ghana Ltd.’s warehouse is destroyed by fire

    Multipac Ghana Ltd.’s warehouse is destroyed by fire

    The Tema-based beverage manufacturing company Multipac Ghana Ltd.’s warehouse was destroyed by fire.

    At around 12 in the morning on April 8, 2023, the occurrence took place.

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) estimates that it took the firefighters around four hours to put out the fire.

    After receiving the distress call at 12:52 a.m., the Ghana National Fire Service Headquarters immediately dispatched the first fire engine from the Industry Area Fire Station, which was about two kilometres away, to the scene, according to Divisional Officer Grade 1 Joseph K. Forson, who was on the scene.

    He said on arrival at the scene within six minutes the crew observed that one of the warehouse at the premises of the factory where raw materials were kept was on fire. 

    After a brief assessment of the situation, the crew deployed to tackle the fire adding that multiple fire pumps were called in to support. 

    DO1 Forson said a total of six pumps and one water tanker from the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as well as ten private water tanker operators were called in to help extinguish the fire. 

    He said fire was brought under control at 4:20 am and totally extinguished at 6:33 am. 

    DO I Forson said there were no casualties or injuries recorded adding that investigations were underway to determine the cause of the fire. 

  • Fire completely destroyed the BISCO Boys’ Dormitory in Tamale

    Fire completely destroyed the BISCO Boys’ Dormitory in Tamale

    Personnel of the Ghana national fire service and the ambulance service rescued 16-year-old Wahid Abdallah who was caught up by the fire when his dormitory caught fire on the night of Thursday, April 6, 2023.

    Business SHS (BISCO) had one of their boys’ dormitories completely burnt yesterday in Tamale.

    Fire officials said the incident occurred at dawn on Thursday, affecting the school prefect’s room, with fire officials acting swiftly to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building.

    The Public Relations Officer for the Ghana National Fire Service, ADO II, Baba Hudu, revealed that only one student was in the affected room when the incident happened as schools are on Easter break.

    The incident is the latest in a series of fire outbreaks in Senior High Schools in the Northern region. Saint Charles Minor Seminary Senior High School alone has suffered more than five fire outbreaks over the last three years, reducing the dormitory capacity by more than a thousand students.

    Last year, the Tolon Senior High School was closed temporarily following a fire outbreak that destroyed a two-story girls’ dormitory with a capacity of more than 500 students.

    Though officials are yet to identify the cause of these fire outbreaks, fire officials suspect poor wiring and reckless use of electrical gadgets by students are to blame for the disasters.

  • Let’s be mindful of fire safety this Easter – Fire Service

    Let’s be mindful of fire safety this Easter – Fire Service

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has urged the public to be mindful of fire safety as they prepare for the Easter celebrations.

    It also advised the citizenry to refrain from any act that would pose a fire threat to life and property.

    This is in a statement issued and signed by Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, Director, Fire Safety Directorate of the GNFS, and copied to the Ghana News Agency (GNA).

    It said fire safety cautiousness was necessary due to the recording of sporadic fire incidents during such events.

    The statement said due to activities involving family gatherings, cooking and merry making, such incidents were highly predictable and that all must be cautious.

    It asked the citizenry to ensure there were active fire extinguishers at vantage points at homes, workplaces and other public places.

    The statement wished the public a happy and fire free Easter celebration and urged it to contact the GNFS on 0299340383/0299340643/ 122 in the event of a fire outbreak.  
    GNA

  • Kejetia traders should not be allowed to cook in the market – Kojo Bonsu to management

    Kejetia traders should not be allowed to cook in the market – Kojo Bonsu to management

    Former mayor of Kumasi, Kojo Bonsu, has urged administrators of the new Kejetia market to promptly halt all traders from cooking inside the marketplace.

    His call comes after fire gutted the new market recently destroying thousands of items running into millions of cedis.

    The former mayor while addressing the matter indicated that management of the market must have a plan which should be executed to avert future fire incidents within the enclave.

    “The fire that engulfed the market you could say it was a maintenance failure. I hear there were some carbide and something that brought the fire. So you cannot blame management for that. All cooking activities should come to a halt at the new Kejetia market,” the former Mayor of Kumasi opined.

    Following the March 15 fire outbreak at the facility, aside from the shops that were directly affected, some other shops were asked to be closed down for a structural integrity test to be conducted before being allowed to operate.

    The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, says the briefing he received from the Ghana National Fire Service indicates that a fire from a trader cooking at the new Kejetia market caused the inferno at the facility.

    According to Dr. Bawumia, the shop owner was cooking inside her shop when the gas cylinder she was using caught fire spreading to a nearby chemical shop, thus destroying 33 shops out of 8,000 shops at the market.

    He added that the chemical shop owner amongst others sells combustibles such as carbide, turpentine and gunpowder which exploded.

    A trader at the market was arrested for cooking at the facility but was later granted bail.

    The Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development has thus inaugurated a 5-member committee to probe the recent fire incident.

    The committee which has been tasked to make its findings ready within three weeks was constituted on March 17.

  • Brothels at Tarkwa railway station burnt

    Brothels at Tarkwa railway station burnt

    On Tuesday, March 28, 2023, some plywood-built brothels which had roughly fifty cubicles each at the Tarkwa railway station were destroyed by fire.

    This is the third time the brothels have been guttered by fire within three months. It happened on the 12th and 24th of December 2022 and on March 28, 2023.

    The base has been inundated with prostitutes, most of whom are said to be Nigerians.

    An eyewitness, Samuel Mensah, who spoke to GhanaWeb said, there was fire in a refuse dump closer to one of the brothels. After the heavy downpour, there was a storm that swept some of the fire under the plywood which started burning gradually and escalated to the brothels.

    “All the ‘ashawo’ girls came out not knowing what to do. Some had already brought their things out, and others also wanted to go through the fire to bring out their belongings but one fire officer who was around told them not to enter, and that saved their lives,” he said.

    The Tarkwa Command of the Ghana National Fire Service was at the scene to douse the fire.

    The Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Fire Commander, Alex Asiem said “when we came, we saw that the fire had gutted a drinking spot so we quickly laid two hoses to control the fire and secured the place.”

    He said the Fire Service has been frequenting the place to make sure that anything that may cause fire is taken care of.

    He commended the affected persons for helping douse the fire.

    There have been calls by community folk for the Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly to clamp down on the activities of the prostitutes but to no avail. So, the recent fire outbreaks have come as “good news” for some people who abhor such practices.

    One person told GhanaWeb “we thank God this place keeps burning because we have made several efforts for the assembly to stop these ashawo girls but no one seems to care.”

    “They should destroy all those brothels, grade the place and use it for a market because the land is a vast one. We can use that place for another better purpose,” another person said.

  • Court grants New Kejetia Market Trader inferno culprit bail

    Court grants New Kejetia Market Trader inferno culprit bail

    The trader at the New Kejetia Market who was detained on Tuesday for allegedly cooking at the facility where the fire started has been released on bail.

    Her detention was after Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia revealed that a trader who was cooking was to blamed for the fire.

    According to the leadership of the traders, the trader known as Felicia Opoku was handed over to the police and was detained overnight, after which she was released on bail.

    The President of the Federation of the Kumasi Traders, Nana Akwasi Prempeh told Citi News that: “Around 11 am, we had a call that a certain lady has set fire again and when we went there to check, she was heating okro soup, and so we arrested her and gave her to the police and detained her overnight and granted her bail this morning, but investigations are ongoing to find out who gave her the permission to come and sell in the market”.

    “We are collaborating with the management of the market to ensure that we enforce the by-laws to ensure safety in the market. ”

    Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia on Monday, March 20 disclosed that the briefing he received from the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) indicated that a fire from a trader cooking at the new Kejetia market caused the inferno at the facility last week.

    Dr. Bawumia disclosed that the shop owner was cooking inside her shop when the gas cylinder she was using caught fire spreading to a nearby chemical shop, thus destroying 33 shops out of 8,000 shops at the market.

  • GNFS warns Kejetia Market traders to be safety conscious ahead of reopening

    GNFS warns Kejetia Market traders to be safety conscious ahead of reopening

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has warned traders at the Kejetia Market to be safety conscious in order to prevent another fire incident.

    The New Kejetia Market in the Ashanti Region, which was destroyed by fire, will be able to resume operations today.

    Despite traders’ protests, market management had previously decided that the facility would be closed for another week to allow for investigations.

    However, Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced on Monday that the decision had been reversed after preliminary reports ruled out electrical faults as the cause of the inferno.

    In an interview with Citi News, ACFO Timothy Osafo-Afum, Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), emphasized the importance of being more safety conscious.

    “You don’t learn about what to do where there is an emergency. You must learn it long before the emergency comes, so you apply what you know. So let us be safety conscious and do what is expected of us so that in the time of emergency, we know what exactly to do.”

    The New Kejetia Market in the Ashanti Region would reopen for business today after being closed for four days.

    Last Wednesday, fire destroyed over 30 shops in the market.

    Following a meeting with the leadership of the traders, the Ghana National Fire Service agreed to close the facility for a few days to allow for uninterrupted investigations.

    The board also ordered that the facility should remain closed for another week.

    Reuben Amey, General Secretary of the Kumasi Traders Association, told Citi News that the continuous closure would have harmed their finances.

    “Even if they had opened the market yesterday March 20, we would have loved it. We traders are really suffering from the closure of the market. Though we are suffering, we accepted the 3-day closure, but any further delay in the reopening, we will suffer too much. We have already suffered losses when the market was razed by fire”.

  • Bawumia reveals cause of Kejetia market fire incident

    Bawumia reveals cause of Kejetia market fire incident

    The Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia has that reports from the the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) indicates that the Kejetia market fire incident was as a result of flames from a trader cooking at the premises.

    According to him, while the store owner was cooking, the gas cylinder she was using caught fire and spread to a nearby chemical shop, resulting in the destruction of 33 of the market’s 8,000 stores.

    He added that the chemical shop owner amongst others sells combustibles such as carbide, turpentine and gunpowder which exploded.

    The Vice President indicated that this was uncovered after a preliminary investigation by the GNFS in collaboration with the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

    Addressing the traders after inspecting the part ravaged by the fire on March 20, the Vice President expressed his empathy to the affected traders assuring them of government’s support.

    “We are here to empathise with you following the fire that gutted the market. We are equally affected by the sad situation, that’s why I’m here today to show my concerns. I was taken around the market by the GNFS, NADMO officials, and they told me that through their investigations, the market caught fire as a result of cooking by one of the traders whose shop was close to a nearby chemical shop, where they sell gunpowder, carbide, turpentine that resulted in the explosion,” the Vice President narrated.

    Dr. Bawumia said, “The fire officers told me that the fire was not caused by an electrical fault but the cooking of food by the shop owner inside her shop, that’s where the fire started”.

    The board of the new Kejetia Market also known as the Kumasi City Markets Limited on March 19, directed that the facility should be closed for one more week starting Monday, March 20 to allow GNFS to conduct further investigations.

    The traders on the other hand have argued that such a move will negatively affect their businesses and have thus vowed to defy the directive.

    But the Vice President during his visit said the traders whose shops were not affected could return to the market tomorrow March 21, 2023.

  • Kejetia Market fire: We are overwhelmed at the magnitude of the fire – Fire Service

    Kejetia Market fire: We are overwhelmed at the magnitude of the fire – Fire Service

    Assistant Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, Timothy Osafo Affum, has expressed shock at the magnitude of the recent fire that gutted the Kejietia Market in the Ashanti Region.

    According to him, the necessary security protocols were put in place in the newly constructed market. However, most traders violated the policies and arrangements proposed after the facility was approved to start business.

    “We were surprised at the magnitude of the outbreak, especially since it was a modern facility where some things would have been put into order.”

    In an interview on Happy 98.9 FM’s “Epa Hoa Daben” socio-political talk show with Sefah Danquah, he indicated that reports on faulty fire detectors in the facility are not factual.

    He disclosed that after the fire was put out, the smoke detectors were still sounding alarms. He added that the GNFS is not sure about the complaints and what people are talking about, but their investigations are ongoing.

    “Our observations indicated that people there at the time tried to put out the fire, but it got out of control before they decided to sound the alarm for others to move out,” he said.

    He revealed that the GNFS is currently searching for the shop owner where the fire started, and they will move steadily from there. He urged the public to exercise caution and follow the necessary safety protocols to prevent such incidents in the future.

    The Kejetia market fire outbreak occurred on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, and destroyed several shops and goods worth millions of Ghana cedis. The fire service managed to bring the fire under control after several hours of battling it. No casualties were recorded.

  • GRIDCo partners National Fire Service for training on safety

    GRIDCo partners National Fire Service for training on safety


    Fire prevention at GRIDCo’s Substations and Safety Training was the focus of discussions when a delegation from the company, led by its CEO Ebenezer Essienyi engaged the Chief Fire Officer and Management of the Ghana Fire Service (GNFS) on February 16.

    The discussions with the GNFS reflected diverse ways to best protect the assets from fire.

    One of GRIDCo’s core values is safety; for staff and the protection of its 68 substations and other assets nationwide.

    The GNFS emphasised the need to undertake a risk assessment of GRIDCo’s facilities.

    Based on the report, the GNFS will then advise on the best strategy to adopt to protect the substations from fire.

    At the meeting, both entities agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to govern how the proposed collaboration, which includes safety training, will be executed.

    GRIDCo and National Fire Service sign MoU on safety training

    Of critical mention is GRIDCo’s work with the Forestry Commission to create a green belt along GRIDCo’s Right of Way (or where the transmission lines are located) to protect them from encroachment and other risks.

    The GNFS suggested the creation of a “brown belt” alongside the “green belt” to ensure it does not become a fire hazard for the assets (as branches and leaves scattered around the green belt can function as fuel for fire).

    Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi thanked the Service for the audience and reception offered to him and his team. The entourage also included Bernard Gyan, Director-Technical Services; Samuel Kow Acquah, Manager of Strategy Risk and Compliance, and Kojo Kwarteng, Special Assistant to the Chief Executive.

    Present at the meeting on behalf of the Service were ACFO II George Wiafe, Deputy Director, Fire Safety Education; David Sam Afful, Assistant Director of Investigations; Michael Ato Korsah, Deputy Director – of Fire Certification; Ernest Ampene of Investigation Directorate; Husbert Atobra Nyame-Boame of the Safety Directorate and Ackah Desmond, Deputy National Public Relations Officer.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • GRIDCo partners Fire Service for training on safety

    GRIDCo partners Fire Service for training on safety

    Fire prevention at GRIDCo’s Substations and Safety Training was the focus of discussions when a delegation from the company, led by its CEO Ebenezer Essienyi engaged the Chief Fire Officer and Management of the Ghana Fire Service (GNFS) on February 16.

    The discussions with the GNFS reflected diverse ways to best protect the assets from fire.

    One of GRIDCo’s core values is safety; for staff and the protection of its 68 substations and other assets nationwide.

    The GNFS emphasised the need to undertake a risk assessment of GRIDCo’s facilities.

    Based on the report, the GNFS will then advise on the best strategy to adopt to protect the substations from fire.

    At the meeting, both entities agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to govern how the proposed collaboration, which includes safety training, will be executed.

    GRIDCo and National Fire Service sign MoU on safety training

    Of critical mention is GRIDCo’s work with the Forestry Commission to create a green belt along GRIDCo’s Right of Way (or where the transmission lines are located) to protect them from encroachment and other risks.

    The GNFS suggested the creation of a “brown belt” alongside the “green belt” to ensure it does not become a fire hazard for the assets (as branches and leaves scattered around the green belt can function as fuel for fire).

    Ebenezer Kofi Essienyi thanked the Service for the audience and reception offered to him and his team. The entourage also included Bernard Gyan, Director-Technical Services; Samuel Kow Acquah, Manager of Strategy Risk and Compliance, and Kojo Kwarteng, Special Assistant to the Chief Executive.

    Present at the meeting on behalf of the Service were ACFO II George Wiafe, Deputy Director, Fire Safety Education; David Sam Afful, Assistant Director of Investigations; Michael Ato Korsah, Deputy Director – of Fire Certification; Ernest Ampene of Investigation Directorate; Husbert Atobra Nyame-Boame of the Safety Directorate and Ackah Desmond, Deputy National Public Relations Officer.

  • Building at Police Headquarters is gutted by fire

    Building at Police Headquarters is gutted by fire

    The Accra headquarters of the Ghana Police Service experienced a fire outbreak on Thursday, February 9, 2023.

    According to a statement via Facebook, the police said personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service reported to the scene and brought the inferno under control.

    “There is a fire outbreak in one of the buildings at the Police Headquarters in Accra.

    “The Ghana National Fire Service is at the scene and have succeeded in bringing the situation under control,” the Service said.

    The cause of the fire was not immediately established but according to the police, there were no casualties during the incident.

    “There are no casualties and the cause of the fire is yet to be established.

    “We wish to thank the Fire Service team and our officers who are assisting to ensure that the Fire did not spread to the entire building,” the statement by the police added.

    Meanwhile, a report by gbcghanaonline.com places the scene of the fire at an office building full of armories at the National Operations Department of the Ghana Police Headquarters.

    Some tear gas explosions according to the report were heard during the outbreak which took the Fire Service about half an hour to battle.

    The fire is said to have destroyed some of the armories in the cache.

  • Eastern Region recorded 84 fire outbreaks in January 2023 – GNFS

    Eastern Region recorded 84 fire outbreaks in January 2023 – GNFS

    The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed that a total of 84 fire outbreaks were recorded in the Eastern Region in January 2023.

    Under the same period under review in 2022, the Fire Service recorded 154 fire incidents. Fire outbreaks in the region have declined by 70 cases, representing a 45.45% decrease.

    In total, the Service recorded 98 incidents last month. In January 2022, a total of 172 incidents were reported, indicating a 74 decrease in incidents, representing a 43.02% decline.

    According to the Service, “the reason for the decrease can be attributed to two factors, being better favourable weather conditions in relation to the outbreak of bushfires as compared to the same period last year as bushfires accounted for the larger chunk of incidents (110 out of 172), and an intensified anti-bushfire education campaign by the various stations.”

    The high figure recorded last year January was as a result of the astronomical increase in bushfires (110) resulting from the severe intensity of the harmattan weather during the first quarter, the Service noted.

    In reference to vehicular accidents, January 2023 recorded 9 incidents as compared to 13 incidents during the same period last year.

    This decrease can be attributed to the intensified road safety education embarked on by the various fire stations at bus and lorry stations, with transport company owners as well as with private individuals.

  • GNFS to install fire detection systems in homes to combat fire outbreaks

    GNFS to install fire detection systems in homes to combat fire outbreaks

    According to the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), a regulation that will mandate the installation of early fire detection systems in every home as a preventative measure against domestic fires will be put into effect.

    According to the Service, its statistical report over the last decade has had domestic fires taking the lead in the country.

    Per the data, out of 59,933 fire outbreaks recorded between 2013 and 2022; 23,394 were domestic fires, representing 39 percent which is more than other causes of fire.

    Speaking to Citi News, the Director of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO), Timothy Osafo-Affum indicated that, the service is engaging the private sector to embark on moves to reduce domestic fire outbreaks.

    “We are going to implement a new law – that is L.I 2249 (Fire Precaution Premises Regulation, 2015). This law mandates the fire service to ensure that every home is provided with early fire detection and fighting systems. What we are going to do is to give every home the smoke detector which is the simplest form of the early warning system.”

    Recently, the Ghana National Fire Service announced, it will be rolling out a mandatory policy to compel drivers to keep fire extinguishers in their vehicles at all times.

    The Service said the policy will reduce the rampant outbreak of fires and the damages caused.

    Volta Region was selected for the pilot exercise which is expected to eventually be rolled out across the country.

    According to the GNFS, incidents of vehicular fires have been on the rise in recent times in the Volta Region prompting the piloting of the exercise in that region.