The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) faces significant challenges due to resource constraints, impeding its ability to carry out its mandate effectively. ACFOI Timothy Osafo-Affum, the Head of Public Relations of the GNFS, highlighted the pressing need for support from the government and corporate entities to address these issues.One of the primary concerns raised by ACFOI Osafo-Affum is the outdated equipment used by the GNFS. The service operates with old tenders and fire engines, which frequently encounter problems during emergency responses. Osafo-Affum pointed out that a recent viral video on social media depicted firefighters struggling to combat a blaze due to equipment failures, leading to public outcry and criticism of the service’s effectiveness.Furthermore, Osafo-Affum emphasized that while the GNFS boasts a well-trained human resource base, the lack of modern equipment severely hampers their ability to operate efficiently. He explained that the GNFS should have replaced its vehicles at least five years ago, but due to inadequate funding, they continue to rely on outdated machinery.The maintenance of these old vehicles also poses a significant financial burden on the GNFS. Osafo-Affum noted that a substantial portion of their budget goes towards maintenance costs, leaving little room for other essential expenditures. Additionally, Osafo-Affum lamented the insufficient support from other emergency management stakeholders, such as the Ghana Water Company Limited, which further exacerbates the GNFS’s challenges.In light of these issues, Osafo-Affum urged for urgent action to address the GNFS’s resource constraints. He called for increased government funding to procure new equipment and enhance collaboration with other stakeholders to improve emergency response capabilities. Without adequate resources, the GNFS’s ability to fulfill its crucial role in protecting lives and property from fire incidents remains severely compromised.
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