Accra: The Government has rolled out a comprehensive insurance package for the personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), aimed at enhancing the welfare, safety, and morale of frontline emergency responders. Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister for the Interior, announced the initiative during the graduation parade of Cadet Course 24 at the Fire Academy and Training School in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the commissioning ceremony celebrated the conclusion of an intensive Officer Cadet Training Programme for 578 graduates, consisting of 356 males and 222 females, including both direct entrants and serving officers due for promotion. The 24-week course at the Ghana National Fire Service College in Kyebi-Akwadum covered a wide range of subjects, including chemistry of combustion, hazardous materials, fire safety, and leadership training, alongside physical training to build stamina and teamwork.
The new insurance policy, as explained by the Minister, covers officers who sustain injuries, suffer permanent disabilities, or lose their lives while on duty. The policy provides GHS50,000 for injuries, GHS100,000 for permanent injuries, and GHS100,000 for deaths in the line of duty. This initiative aims to end the era when fire officers had to bear the financial burden of medical treatment after sustaining injuries on duty.
The government is also undertaking reforms to modernize the GNFS, including investments in equipment and infrastructure to transform it into a modern, multi-hazard emergency response agency. New logistics being introduced include fire tenders, fire-fighting drones, and upgraded communication systems.
The Minister praised the GNFS for saving over GHS150 million worth of property in the first quarter of 2025, attributing this achievement to improved training and rapid response. At the ceremony, four cadet officers were recognized for their outstanding performance, with Officer Cadet Priscilla Abena Dede Odoi named the Overall Best Officer Cadet.
Alhaji Muntaka encouraged the newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism and integrity. The ceremony was attended by King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, delegates from the Okyeman Traditional Council, and former GNFS leaders, alongside heads of other security agencies.
