The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Alex King Nartey, has issued an apology to the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, over comments he made regarding the March 21, 2025 fire that razed down shops at Adum in Kumasi.

The PRO said even though he stands by his stance that the minister could have used a better approach in conveying his displeasure with the service, he apologizes for the comments he made.

On March 22, 2025, the PRO wrote on his Facebook page: "I have great respect and admiration for the Honourable minister especially blazing the trail as the youngest minister."

"My Intentions might have been taken out of context since I was acting on the belief that, the honourable minister could have used a different approach in dealing with the firefighters who had risked their lives for hours at the fire ground."

He added that "the approach of publicly criticising them and videoing it was not the best, hence my comment that the shouting was uncalled for".

This development follows an ongoing feud between the Ashanti Regional Minister and the GNFS, triggered by a devastating fire outbreak at the Central Market in Adum, Kumasi which destroyed several shops and caused significant property damage.

Alex King Nartey called out Dr. Frank Amoakohene over what he describes as an attempt to engage in self-aggrandizement at the expense of hardworking firefighters.

In a viral video from the scene of the Adum Market fire, Dr. Amoakohene was captured calling out firefighters for failing to show enthusiasm in fighting the blaze.

King Nartey questioned the motive behind the minister's actions while noting the impact on the morale of the officers.

"He could have easily just approached any of our officers or the commander at the scene without having to necessarily put a camera on himself to create a spectacle. To what end?" the PRO asked.

King Nartey was quick to add that firefighters deserve to be well-equipped for the job.

SSD/EK

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