The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Alex King Nartey, has painted a worrying picture of the Service, revealing that it has not received a new fire tender in the last 15 years.

Speaking in an interview with Joy FM, monitored by GhanaWeb, Alex King Nartey expressed concern about the situation, which has negatively impacted the Service’s operations.

He disclosed that, according to international standards, the Service is supposed to receive a new set of fire tenders every five years. However, this has not been the case for the Ghana National Fire Service.

"For almost 15 years now, we have not received any new fire tenders. According to international standards, fire tenders should be replaced every five years. We find ourselves in a country where things are difficult, so at the very least, we should receive new fire tenders every ten years.

"But we are now approaching 15 years without new fire tenders. It is very difficult, yet people blame us. The management of the Fire Service spends a lot of money on maintenance. Just like an old woman when you fix one issue, another arises. So, we keep addressing problems as they come. We have been very committed," he stated.

He continued, "The Adenta fire tender, for instance, had been out of commission for a very long time. I believe it was just a day or two after it was fixed that the late actor Mawuli Semevo's residence caught fire, and the fire service responded to that incident."

During his recent vetting, the then Minister-designate for Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, raised serious concerns about the state of equipment used by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), describing it as obsolete and inadequate for the Service’s critical mandate of fire prevention and emergency response.

Muntaka Mubarak revealed that the government has failed to procure significant equipment for the GNFS over the last decade, with only three hydraulic machines purchased since 2015.

"We are not following through with the national strategy on fire prevention, which is part of our national security strategy," the minister said.

"Since 2015 or 2016, the government has not been able to procure any fire tenders apart from just about three hydraulic machines. For almost ten years, the vehicles and equipment have been left in an obsolete state, and this greatly affects their efficiency," he added.

He lamented the difficulties firefighters face when using outdated vehicles, highlighting the frustration that often arises when the public blames firefighters for delays or malfunctions during emergencies.

"Sometimes, people react emotionally and criticize the firefighters, but the reality is that they are not happy with the equipment they have to work with," he explained.

"These vehicles are weak, and after ten years, it’s not surprising that they break down. Imagine trying to start such a vehicle in the heat of an emergency, only for it to fail. It’s disheartening," he continued.

Muntaka Mubarak assured the committee that if confirmed as Minister of Interior, he would prioritize retooling the GNFS as part of President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for national security.

He cited the government’s manifesto, which outlines plans to provide modern equipment for the GNFS to enhance their operational capabilities.

"By the grace of God, together with His Excellency, we will ensure that the Ghana National Fire Service is retooled to meet the needs of the country. This is clearly stated in our manifesto on page 186. They need the necessary tools to protect us when the need arises," he said.

KA

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