A group of furious youth at the Odupongkpehe Zongo section of the Kasoa Old Market has attacked firefighters on Saturday, February 28.

The personnel dispatched from the Weija Fire Station were in the area to douse an inferno, however, they were attacked by the group for failing to be there on time. It took the intervention of the police to calm the tension between the two groups.

Speaking to the media, the Weija Fire Station Administrator, DO Addo Danso, noted that the group pelted stones at the personnel and also smashed their vehicle’s windscreen. They reportedly hampering efforts to contain the flames. Two container shops had been completely destroyed by the blaze by the time access was secured.

Attacks on firefighters are a growing concern in Ghana. The Minister of Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak in 2024 warned that individuals caught attacking fire officers in the line of their duties will be arrested and prosecuted.

He gave the cautionary notice while commissioning a new fire station at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region.According to him, his outfit has put in place necessary measures to easily pick up individuals who will flout the warning.

He noted that henceforth, firefighters will be accompanied to the field by the Ghana Police Service in order to take action against culprits.

“We are going to enhance the safety of our staff from the national fire service. This is a collaboration with the Ghana Police Service.

Anytime our fire fighters move to a fire site or move to a place for rescue, the police will be in their company for those who find it interesting to attack them, will be immediately arrested and prosecuted.

For some time, Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has faced criticism over claims of slow response to emergencies.

In 2024, the Service threatened to boycott its activities in certain areas over the incessant attacks on its personnel.On Saturday, February 10, in Konongo, angry residents alleged that fire officers responded late to a fire outbreak.

This led to an attack on the officers and damage to a fire tender.Meanwhile, the Service has on several occasions contributed to response delays due to outdated equipment.

The GNFS has called for an increase in fire stations nationwide as well as a supply of modern equipment.

Last year, the GNFS launched a Health and Safety Fund in Accra to support personnel who sustain severe injuries in the line of duty and to cater for the education of children of firefighters who lose their lives while serving the nation.

The launch of the Fund comes against the backdrop of concerns raised by the Public Relations Officer of the service who said that “When firefighters get injured at the scene of the fire, they use their own resources to take care of themselves and later apply for refund to be paid to them. So, if at that moment you don’t have money, you would have to go and borrow money from people to be able to take care of yourself"

Thus, in commemoration of International Firefighters’ Day (IFFD), observed annually under the theme: “Appreciating Our Heroes: Say No to Firefighter Assault and Firefighting Truck Vandalism,” Minister for the Interior, Hon. Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, assured personnel that government remains committed to retooling and modernising the Service to improve its operations.

The service recorded three separate mob attacks in Ejisu, Konongo, and Mamponteng in early 2025

He condemned the growing trend of attacks on firefighters and the vandalism of firefighting trucks, calling on civil society, religious groups, and community leaders to speak out against such acts.

The Minister also encouraged individuals, institutions, and development partners to contribute to the Fund to ensure it remains sustainable and fit for purpose.

The Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Daniella Ntow Sapong also addressed the gathering. She reiterated the challenges faced by the Service but expressed pride in the achievements of personnel despite the constraints.

She thanked the Minister for his ongoing support and reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to saving lives and protecting property.

The event also saw the presentation of awards to firefighters who have demonstrated exceptional service