By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi
Accra, July 15, GNA – Mr Mubarak Mohammed Muntaka, Minister of Interior, has urged security personnel and the public to prioritise safety as a daily necessity and collective responsibility.
He said safety and security must be a conscious decision and cultivated habit, embraced across homes, schools, roads, hospitals, and workplaces.
Mr Muntaka made the remarks at the 2025 National Safety Awards organised by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to honour personnel and civilians for outstanding contributions to fire safety.
He noted that Ghana’s development depends on a robust safety framework.
“Our investments in health, education, roads, and infrastructure will yield little if we do not match them with a robust safety framework.
“With these awards, we are also reinforcing a powerful national message that safety must become a daily necessity, not a periodic response,” he said.
The Minister commended GNFS for its evolving role beyond emergency response, including education, policy enforcement, and advisory services.
He lauded the Service for exceeding its internally generated fund (IGF) targets, raising GH¢4.18 million in 2023 against a target of GH¢2.81 million, and GH¢4.55 million in 2024 against a target of GH¢3.47 million.
Donor funds also increased from GH¢1.78 million in 2023 to GH¢1.98 million in 2024.
Mr. Muntaka called on all stakeholders to support GNFS in making safety a national ethos.
“Citizens must make safety not just the duty of a few professionals, but a conscious lifestyle for every Ghanaian,” he said.
The Minister was honoured with a citation and plaque for his support of fire safety initiatives.
Other honourees included Chief Fire Officer (CFO) (Rtd) Julius Aalebkure Kuunor, Acting CFO Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sarpong, CFO (Rtd) Paa Kwasi Adu Twum, DCFO (Rtd) Tonny K Lawoe, and GNA Chief Reporter Samira Larbi. Corporate institutions were also recognised.
Madam Ntow-Sarpong said GNFS personnel serve as safety officers, educators, rescuers, and investigators, but require support for capacity building and logistics.
“We are excited to share that, together with the Ghana Education Service and Ulster University, we are working on a fire safety syllabus for basic schools.
“Children will learn fire safety in school, grow up to understand the importance of being safe and become ambassadors of safety in their homes and communities,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey