Alhaji Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the Vice President of Ghana, has unveiled plans by the government to ramp up recruitment into the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to meet international standards, aiming for one firefighter per every 800 citizens.
In a landmark move, Vice President Bawumia highlighted the government's commitment to enhancing the capabilities of the GNFS by announcing the recruitment of over 7,000 personnel. This significant initiative marks an 88% increase in the GNFS workforce within just seven years under the New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of the first phase of the Fire Academy and Training School (FATS) in Duayaw Nkwanta, Tano North Municipality of the Ahafo Region, Dr Bawumia emphasized the government's dedication to bolstering emergency response and rescue services nationwide.
The first phase of the FATS project encompasses a comprehensive infrastructure setup, including a three-story classroom block with administrative offices, a kitchen, a dining hall, a training square, and a two-story dormitory catering to both male and female trainees.
Highlighting the government's pledge to expand GNFS training facilities, Dr Bawumia underscored the necessity for additional training schools to improve firefighting efficiency and enhance service delivery. He noted that upon assuming office in 2017, only one fire training school was operational in Ghana, signifying the urgent need for expansion.
Moreover, Dr Bawumia reiterated the government's commitment to equipping the GNFS with modern resources, including command vehicles, state-of-the-art fire engines, drones, rapid intervention vehicles, and personal protective equipment. These investments align with the broader strategy to empower firefighting personnel and enhance their capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Julius A. Kuunuor echoed the GNFS's dedication to community safety, citing a significant reduction in fire incidents recorded in recent years. He attributed this achievement to strategic public education campaigns conducted via traditional and new media channels.
Looking ahead, CFO Kuunuor affirmed the GNFS's resolve to eliminate preventable fires by expanding its presence nationwide, intensifying fire safety education initiatives, and ensuring compliance with fire safety regulations.
The unveiling of the FATS and the recruitment drive signifies a milestone in Ghana's efforts to strengthen its firefighting capabilities, underscoring the government's unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and properties across the nation.
