The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mubarak, has announced plans to introduce a special fuel levy aimed at reequipping and strengthening the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
The move is part of broader efforts to enhance fire safety measures across the country and prevent the devastating losses caused by fires in markets, homes, and workplaces.
Speaking on the urgent need for reform, Minister Mubarak highlighted the challenges facing the GNFS, including outdated firefighting equipment and inadequate personnel.
He emphasized that the last batch of fire tenders acquired in Ghana dates back to 2014, leaving fire officers to battle blazes with obsolete tools.
“As a country, we have not acquired a single fire tender in over ten years. Yet, these vehicles have a lifespan of about six years before they become inefficient. Sometimes, we blame fire officers, but they are working with outdated equipment,” he stated.
To address these challenges, the minister proposed a dedicated fire levy of 5 to 10 pesewas per litre of fuel. According to him, this fund will be used to procure modern firefighting equipment and improve fire safety measures across the country.
Mubarak also stressed the need for structural changes in markets and residential areas, noting that poor planning and lack of access routes contribute to the rapid spread of fires.
“We build without creating access. In markets, structures are haphazardly put up, and when city authorities attempt to create access routes, there is resistance. But when fires break out, we all suffer,” he noted.
To curb frequent market fires, he proposed deploying trained fire safety personnel to man markets 24/7, similar to how police officers operate in shifts. Under this initiative, trained youth from employment programs will assist fire officers in patrolling markets to detect and contain potential fire hazards before they escalate.
Additionally, the minister announced plans to mandate fire safety training for workers in high-risk environments such as fuel stations and markets. Employers will be required to ensure their staff undergo certified fire safety training before they can be employed.
Another key issue raised by the minister was the lack of proper insurance coverage for fire officers, especially in cases of injuries sustained on duty. Currently, injured officers must pay for their medical treatment upfront and later seek reimbursement.
“This is unacceptable. If a fire officer gets injured while serving the nation and cannot afford treatment, it means we are failing them. We need to change this system and provide proper insurance to boost their morale,” he stated.
He urged city authorities, led by the regional minister, to ensure that proper access routes are created to prevent future tragedies.
“We should not wait for another fire to occur before taking action. We must stop treating these incidents like an emergency when we already know the solutions. It’s time to do the right thing,” he urged.
