The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has vowed to withdraw its services from areas that have been and continue to be hostile towards its personnel.
In a media engagement on Saturday, September 14, the Service highlighted that some individuals have developed a troubling habit of attacking firefighters who arrive late at fire scenes, which it described as unacceptable.
GNFS stated that firefighters risk their lives to save others and protect property, yet they often face a lack of respect from the Ghanaian public.
The Service has reminded the public that assaulting firefighters is illegal and will result in severe legal consequences.
The GNFS has also warned that it will vigorously defend its personnel and ensure that anyone who attacks firefighters will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
The Service identified several factors contributing to delays in responding to fire incidents. He mentioned outdated and malfunctioning equipment as significant obstacles impeding the firefighters’ ability to perform their duties effectively.
GNFS also noted that discussions between the Service and the government are ongoing to address these challenges.
“Anyone who attacks our personnel will be dealt with. If you don’t understand our services there are channels of reporting. Report to the respective authorities. We have regional commanders, the district fire officers, chief officers and others.You have no right to hit an officer, we will deal with you all. If these assaults will not stop we want to go to places that are not friendly to our people because there are a lot of risks associated with our work”.
Additionally, the Service disclosed that efforts are underway to equip Ghana with state-of-the-art fire and rescue equipment.
Recently, the Service reported that an attack on its personnel resulted in one firefighter being seriously injured and another traumatized.
The officer who sustained severe injuries, Assistant Divisional Officer (ADO) Abdul Aziz Annor, was assaulted by a driver and his companion while refilling the fire truck at La Palm T-junction in Accra on Tuesday, September 10. ADO Annor suffered a fractured ankle and is currently being treated at the 37 Military Hospital.
Another incident occurred on Thursday, September 5, at the Dansoman roundabout, where firefighters from the Dansoman Fire Station were both verbally and physically attacked by local residents while responding to a fire.
Meanwhile, the attackers have been apprehended and, as of September 9, were granted bail with two sureties each, amounting to GH¢5,000.