Frank Kwame Abbor, GNA
Ho (V/R), May 05, GNA – Mr James Gunu, the Volta Regional Minister, has strongly condemned attacks on firefighters and the destruction of firefighting equipment, describing such actions as a grave threat to public safety and national security.
He made the remarks at the International Firefighters’ Day celebration held in Ho under the theme: “An Attack on Firefighters and Equipment is an Attack on Public Safety.”
Addressing personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service and other stakeholders, Mr Gunu acknowledged the sacrifices firefighters make in the line of duty, often under dangerous and unpredictable conditions.
“Today’s theme is not just symbolic; it speaks directly to a worrying trend we must all confront,” he said.
He added: “When firefighters are obstructed or attacked, the danger extends far beyond them to entire communities.”
Mr Gunu noted that delays in emergency response, particularly when fire tenders were obstructed or damaged, could result in preventable loss of lives and property.
“The consequences of such actions are severe. When fire tenders are delayed or damaged, it is not the Fire Service alone that suffers — it is the ordinary citizen whose life or property may be lost,” he stated.
Mr Gunu stressed that assaults on firefighters must not be tolerated and called for a change in public attitude towards emergency responders.
“We must reject hostility and instead show respect to those who risk their lives daily. Firefighters run toward danger when others are fleeing—it is only right that we stand with them,” he said.
He highlighted that the mandate of the Fire Service extended beyond firefighting to include prevention, rescue operations, safety education, and emergency response.
“The Ghana National Fire Service is not only about fighting fires. Their contribution to national development cannot be overstated,” he added, assuring the Service of continued government support to strengthen emergency response systems.
The Minister urged the public to cooperate with firefighters by keeping access routes clear, reporting incidents promptly, and avoiding actions that could hinder emergency operations, while also encouraging a culture of fire prevention.
In a related address, Mr Joseph Tetteh Freeman, the Volta Regional Fire Commander, described the occasion as a moment of reflection and recognition of the sacrifices made by firefighters.
“This day reminds us of the courage and sacrifice of firefighters, especially those who lost their lives in line of duty,” he said.
He expressed concern over operational challenges, including public interference and attacks on personnel at fire scenes.
“Fire tenders are often obstructed in traffic, and at times, our officers face verbal and physical attacks,” he noted, adding that such incidents compounded the already hazardous nature of the profession.
“Any attack on a firefighter is an attack on public safety,” he emphasised, adding that, “when firefighters are delayed, lives are lost.”
He called on the public to support the Service, stressing that firefighters were protectors, not adversaries.
“Let us work together to create a safer environment and protect those who protect us,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Benjamin Mensah