Kumasi: Dr Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, has cautioned citizens against attacks on firefighters deployed to contain fire outbreaks in the region. He emphasized that violence against individuals performing such critical national duties would not be tolerated, warning that perpetrators would face severe consequences when apprehended.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Amoakohene made these remarks during the climax of International Firefighters’ Day at Atonsu in the Asokwa Municipality. He expressed concern over the vandalism of fire tenders procured with taxpayer money. The celebration, organized by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) and themed ‘Appreciating Our Heroes: Say No to Firefighter Assault and Fire Truck Vandalism,’ was attended by representatives from the Kumasi Metropolis, the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Police Service, the Ghana Prisons Service, and other security agencies. Awards and plaques were presented to some officers for their exceptional service and dedication to firefighting efforts.
Dr Amoakohene indicated that residents in areas where attacks and vandalism were reported would receive education on the crucial role of the GNFS in saving and protecting lives during emergencies. He stressed the importance of supporting firefighters rather than damaging fire tenders and attacking them.
To further enhance the operations of the GNFS, the Regional Minister announced plans to drill boreholes at strategic locations. He also urged the GNFS to act against individuals who build structures over fire hydrants meant to provide water during fire outbreaks. Additionally, he called for rigorous enforcement of fire certificate compliance for buildings, emphasizing the need for all structures to have these certificates.
Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) II Peter Tetteh, the Ashanti Regional Commander of the GNFS, revealed that the service experienced three separate mob attacks at Ejisu, Konongo, and Mamponteng in the first quarter of 2025. He noted that attackers were often not victims of the fires but rather individuals who unjustly blamed firefighters for perceived delays, without considering the distances they had to cover.
ACFO (II) Tetteh highlighted that such incidents have led to the denial of assistance to innocent and vulnerable victims of fire outbreaks, resulting in the loss of lives and property. The theme for the celebration was crafted to address the increasing attacks on the GNFS on a day designated to celebrate and honor firefighters globally.
