The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has strongly condemned recent assaults on its personnel while they were performing their lawful duties.
In two separate incidents, firefighters were attacked by members of the public, leaving one firefighter seriously injured and others traumatized.
On September 3, 2024, ADO II Abdul Aziz Annor, a firefighter from the Ministries Fire Station, was assaulted by a driver and his mate while refilling the station’s fire truck at the LA Palm T-Junction in Accra.
ADO II Annor sustained a fractured ankle and is currently receiving treatment at the 37 Military Hospital.Another incident occurred on September 5, 2024, where firefighters from the Dansoman Fire Station were verbally and physically assaulted by residents while responding to a fire near the Dansoman Roundabout.
The misunderstanding arose when the fire truck temporarily left to refill water. Despite the attacks, the firefighters, with the help of two additional fire trucks, managed to control and stop the fire, preventing damage to nearby properties.
The GNFS has warned that such assaults are unlawful and will face strict legal consequences.
Head of Public Relations, DO2 Desmond Ackah, emphasized that firefighters put their lives at risk to save lives and protect properties, and urged the public to allow them to assess and respond to emergency situations without hindrance.
He also cautioned Ghanaians against blaming firefighters or the Ghana Ambulance Service for arriving late at venues, as they often come from far away.
Instead, they should hold their Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Chief Executives (MMDCEs), Members of Parliament, and government officials accountable for not putting measures in place to ensure that firefighters are located in each town or district.
DO2 Desmond Ackah stated that it will not tolerate such abuse and has warned Ghanaians to refrain from such behaviors, stating that the service remains committed to serving the nation and protecting lives and properties.
