Minister for Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has announced a GHC100,000.00 insurance package for personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service who sustain permanent injuries in the line of duty.

This was announced by the sector minister during his address as the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, at a passing out ceremony of 1,658 recruits on June 20.

“Under the scheme, GH₵50,000.00 will be paid to firefighters sustaining non-permanent injuries in the line of duty. GH₵100,000.00 will be awarded in cases of permanent disability in the line of duty. GH₵100,000.00 will be given in the event of a firefighter’s death on active duty. Even natural deaths while in service will attract a benefit of GH₵50,000.00,” he announced.

He clarified that in the case of death in line of duty, family of the deceased officer will receive GH₵100,000.00.

According to Honourable Muntaka, the introduction of this new insurance package for all GNFS personnel is aimed at boosting morale and ensuring financial security for officers injured or killed in their line of duty.

“This is just the beginning,” the Minister emphasized. “We are committed to improving welfare packages, logistics support, and working conditions for our gallant fire officers, whose sacrifices often go unnoticed,” he added

The grand passing-out parade held at the Fire Academy and Training School in Jamestown Accra, marks the successful completion of training by Course 55, comprising 1,658 recruits, made up of 843 men and 815 women who have now officially joined the frontlines of national emergency response.

It was not only a celebration of discipline and transformation but also a testament to the Service’s commitment to strengthening its capacity to serve and protect Ghanaians nationwide.

He commended the recruits for their resilience, dedication, and patriotism.

The Honourable Minister also used the occasion to highlight critical challenges facing the Service, including the persistent issue of prank calls to emergency lines. He warned that such misuse of resources delays real-life interventions and can cost lives.

He urged the public, especially the youth, to treat emergency numbers with seriousness and responsibility.

Additionally, he expressed concern over the 2.3% reduction in fire incidents recorded between first quarter (Q1) of 2024 and first quarter (Q1) of 2025 from 2,313 to 2,261 fires calling it a “small victory” but emphasizing that even one preventable fire remains too many.

He appealed to citizens to embrace preventive measures and collaborate with the GNFS and local authorities to ensure safer communities.

Under a bright sunshine amidst the sounds of marching Regimental Band and disciplined drills, families, dignitaries, senior officers, and invited guests gathered to witness the culmination of 28 weeks of rigorous training. It included theoretical instruction and hands-on practice in fire science, electrical safety, breathing apparatus operations, first aid, fire prevention, building construction, physical fitness, parade discipline, among others.

Four exceptional recruits were honored for their outstanding performance during the course. Recruit Fireman Samuel Kenneth Ayibontey was named the Overall Best Recruit for excelling across all training modules. Recruit Fireman Anamfo Gerrard Adombila received the award for Best in Academics. Recruit Fireman Emmanuel Addo Ahunu was recognized as Best in Foot Drill. Recruit Firewoman Anita Awagah earned the Commandant’s Award for Best Conduct.The Interior Minister himself, presented the awards celebrating not only individual excellence but also the broader spirit of professionalism and teamwork instilled throughout the training program.

“Your achievements are commendable, but your journey has just begun. Continue to uphold the values of integrity, courage, and selflessness that define this noble profession,” Hon. Muntaka told the recruits.

The graduation of Course 55 marks a significant milestone in the Service’s mission to modernize and expand its capabilities. These newly passed-out officers will be deployed across the country to reinforce frontline units, respond to emergencies, and educate communities on fire safety practices.

The Commandant of the Fire Academy reiterated the Service’s resolve to continue producing well-rounded, highly skilled, and service-oriented personnel capable of responding effectively to the evolving nature of fire hazards and disasters in Ghana.

As the final salute was rendered and the Regimental Band played the closing march, the ceremony concluded with a sense of pride, hope, and renewed purpose.

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) stands stronger than ever, ready to meet the demands of a fast-changing world.

With enhanced training, improved welfare support, and growing public awareness, Ghana’s firefighting force is not only growing in number but also in strength, determination, and readiness to serve the nation.

Meanwhile, 11 agencies under the Ministry of the Interior together with the Minister and the Deputy Minister have collectively donated GHS1 million to the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares at a short ceremony at Jubilee House in Accra.

This was made known on the ministry’s facebook page, Friday June 20.

Honourable Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, who led the team for the donation, explained that it was a gesture of goodwill, as sickness knows no boundaries and can affect anyone.

His Excellency the President John Dramani Mahama expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of the Interior and its Agencies for their support, emphasizing that the initiative is rooted in compassion, equity, and shared national responsibility.

The fund is a fulfillment of the President's campaign promise, aimed at relieving the financial burden of sufferers of chronic diseases.

He announced on Friday June 20 that Cabinet approved the Ghana Medical Trust (Mahama Cares) Fund Bill for onward transmission to Parliament.

Ghana Police Service GH¢580,000, Ghana Immigration Service GH¢100,000, Ghana National Fire Service GH¢50,000, National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO) GH¢50,000, and the Ghana Prisons Service GH¢50,000 are the breakdown of the contributions towards the donation.

Others include the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) GH¢10,000, National Identification Authority (NIA) GH¢50,000, Gaming Commission GH¢50,000, the Ghana Refugees Board GH¢5,000, National Peace Council GH¢5,000 and the Small Arms and Light Weapons Commission GH¢10,000.

`The Minister for the Interior and National Security, Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, also made a personal contribution of GH¢50,000, while the Deputy Minister for the Interior, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, also donated GH¢30,000.