Ranking Member of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee, Rev John Ntim Fordjour, has called for an end to the controversy between the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr Frank Amoakohene, and officers of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).

In the wake of an apology issued by the GNFS on March 25, 2025, addressing remarks made by ADO1 Alex King Nartey, a member of the service’s public relations team, during an interview that sparked tensions with the minister, the MP for Assin North has asked for an end to the matter, while emphasising the need for fire officers not to be subjected to demoralisation by politicians.

“All politicians are entreated to serve in humility. Egoistic whims and caprices of a populist regional minister cannot be allowed to demoralise and victimise our gallant fire officers who professionally and most patriotically risk their lives daily to extinguish fires in our country,” he wrote online.

The controversy began when ADO1 Alex Nartey, in an interview, called out the Ashanti Regional Minister for seeking to demoralise firefighters who were responding to the recent fire incident at the Adum Market.

Rev Ntim Fordjour, who has been vocal on the issue, previously criticised the minister’s approach, arguing that fire officers deserve support and resources, not victimisation.

The GNFS apology letter, signed by Chief Fire Officer Julius Aalebkure Kuunuor, expressed regret to Dr Amoakohene for the “unsavoury comments” and reaffirmed the service’s commitment to professionalism.

In his latest comment on the matter, Rev Ntim Fordjour, in his X post, stressed that the matter should now be laid to rest, given the GNFS’s apology.

He reiterated his stance that politicians must prioritise equipping the fire service rather than engaging in disputes that undermine its morale.

He added that any attempt to victimizs or unfairly treat a fire officer under the circumstance would not be tolerated.

“Whatever happened, let’s move on! This letter should settle it all. No further disciplinary action will be countenanced. No fire officer will be allowed to suffer any unfair termination, transfer or demotion as a result of the ego of a politician who should rather be supporting and resourcing our fire officers to discharge their duties. Ghana National Fire Service is woefully underfunded and misunderstood,” he stated.

The comment by the Ranking Member on the Defence and Interior Committee of Parliament comes on the back of reports of disciplinary measures, including possible transfer, being meted out to ADO1 Alex Nartey for his comments against the minister.

GA/AE

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