The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is in a critical state, with its ability to respond effectively to emergencies severely hampered by outdated and insufficient equipment.

The shortage of functional fire engines has resulted in slow response times, particularly in the Greater Accra and the Ashanti regions.

Speaking to JoyNews, the spokesperson for the GNFS, AD01 Alex King Nartey, highlighted the urgency of the situation, calling for immediate change.

“The whole big area of East Legon, through to Trasaco, through to Adjiringanor, 69, School Junction, Santo, East Legon Hills, we don't have a single fire station. Even in North Legon, there's no fire station," he said. 

“The Fire Service doesn't set up its own station. It's up to the Assemblies to set up the stations, and then we send out manpower over there."

He also lamented that public demand for fire stations is often overshadowed by other priorities.

“So every time you hear people, rather, crying that thieves are worrying them, so they need police stations. But you’ve never heard anyone crying that fires are worrying them, so they need fire stations,” Mr Nartey added.

Expanding on the challenges faced in other regions, he noted the dire situation in the Ashanti and Eastern regions.

"Our appliance at Obuasi is out of commission. Our officers are ready to work despite the challenges. We being resourced is a national call, it's not for the fire service," he said.

He also mentioned that appliances in the Amasaman station are currently non-functional, leaving nearby stations stretched beyond capacity.

“As of now, the appliance at Amazaman is out of commission. These appliances are very old. One station can go to about three or four fires in a day. There's a fire at Taifa, the appliance at Anyaa had to move all the way from Anyaa market," Mr Nartey explained.

He emphasised that the current fleet of fire engines is aging, and the government has promised to provide new appliances soon.

"So it is our hope that the commitment and the promise that the government has made would come into fulfillment,” he said.

The GNFS called on authorities to prioritise fire safety infrastructure, stressing that the current situation puts lives and property at risk.