The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has issued a firm warning to the public against attacking firefighters, while unveiling new measures aimed at protecting personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
Speaking on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, during the commissioning of a newly constructed fire station at Gomoa Fetteh in the Central Region, Minister Mubarak expressed deep concern over the growing number of reported assaults on fire officers responding to emergency calls. These incidents, he noted, are often sparked by frustration over perceived delays in response times during fire outbreaks and rescue operations.
Addressing stakeholders, community members, and emergency personnel gathered for the event, the Interior Minister announced a strategic collaboration with the Ghana Police Service designed to enhance the safety and security of GNFS personnel during operational duties.
“We are taking decisive steps to ensure the safety of our firefighters,” Minister Mubarak declared. “From now on, police officers will accompany our firefighters to every fire scene and rescue operation. Anyone who attacks or obstructs these brave men and women while on duty will be arrested immediately and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The Minister highlighted that protecting frontline emergency responders is vital for maintaining effective disaster management and ensuring public safety.
“These attacks are unacceptable and undermine our collective efforts to protect lives and property. The government remains steadfast in strengthening our emergency response framework and will not tolerate any form of violence against those risking their lives to save others,” he added.
The new policy aims not only to deter assaults but also to restore public confidence in the GNFS and improve cooperation between emergency services and communities. Minister Mubarak called on all citizens to support firefighters by allowing them unhindered access to incident sites and reporting any suspicious behavior that may threaten their safety.
Officials of the GNFS welcomed the announcement, noting that police escorts will significantly enhance their operational efficiency and morale. The newly commissioned Gomoa Fetteh fire station will serve as a critical hub for emergency response in the Central Region, equipped with modern firefighting equipment and staffed by trained personnel ready to respond promptly to crises.
The Interior Ministry has pledged to roll out similar safety measures nationwide, ensuring that fire personnel can perform their duties without fear of harassment or physical harm.
As Ghana continues to urbanize and develop, Minister Mubarak stressed the importance of protecting all emergency service providers to build resilient communities capable of responding to disasters effectively.
