The Minister Designate for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has 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.
During his vetting before Parliament’s Appointment Committee, 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,” he said. “Since 2015 or 2016, 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He lamented the difficulties firefighters face using outdated vehicles, highlighting the frustration that often arises when the public blames firefighters for delays or malfunctions during emergencies.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 they break down. Imagine trying to start such a vehicle in the heat of an emergency, only for it to fail. It’s disheartening.”
Muntaka Mubarak assured the committee that if confirmed as Minister for the Interior, he would prioritize retooling the GNFS as part of President John Mahama’s vision for national security. He cited the government’s manifesto, which outlines plans to provide modern equipment for the GNFS to improve 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.
The ministerial nominee also drew attention to the rising number of market fires and criticized local authorities for their lax enforcement of fire safety regulations.
“It’s sad to see markets destroyed by fire because local authorities neglect fire certificates and safety measures during construction. Many of us are guilty of ignoring fire safety until it’s too late,” he noted.
Mubarak concluded with a call for urgent collaboration between government and local authorities to address these issues and ensure that the GNFS is adequately equipped to respond to emergencies across the nation.
The call to action highlights the pressing need to retool the GNFS to ensure they can carry out their mandate effectively in safeguarding lives and property.
