The Government has introduced a comprehensive insurance package for personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) as part of efforts to enhance the welfare, safety, and morale of frontline emergency responders.

Alhaji Mohammed Mubarak Muntaka, Minister for the Interior, announced this at the graduation parade of Cadet Course 24 at the Fire Academy and Training School in Accra on Friday.

The commissioning ceremony marked the successful completion of an intensive Officer Cadet training programme for 578 graduates, made up of 356 males and 222 females, including 444 direct entrants and 134 serving officers due for promotion.

The 24-week course at the Ghana National Fire Service College in Kyebi-Akwadum covered a wide range of modules, including chemistry of combustion, hazardous materials, fire safety, building construction, road traffic collision extrication, breathing apparatus, public finance, work ethics, and leadership training.

Cadets also undertook physical training and foot drills to build stamina, teamwork, and discipline.

The Minister explained that the new insurance policy covered officers who sustained injuries, suffered permanent disabilities, or lost their lives in the line of duty.

“I know, as a start, it may not be much, because for injury on the course of duty is GH¢50,000, permanent injury is GH¢100,000 and death on the course of duty is GH¢100,000,” he said.

Alhaji Muntaka said the initiative would end the era when fire officers had to bear the financial burden of treatment after sustaining injuries in the line of duty.

“We have taken steps to ensure that the time when a fire officer will go and risk his or her life, get injured, and told ‘go treat yourself, and bring us the bill is over,” he said.

The move comes as part of the government’s ongoing reforms to modernise the GNFS and improve service conditions for its personnel.

The Minister reaffirmed government’s continued investment in equipment and infrastructure to support the Service’s transformation into a modern, multi-hazard emergency response agency.

Key logistics being rolled out include fire tenders, fire-fighting drones, breathing apparatus, extrication tools, rapid intervention vehicles, protective gear, and upgraded communication systems.

The Minister praised the GNFS for helping to save over GH¢150 million worth of property in the first quarter of 2025, compared to GH¢45 million in the same period last year.

He attributed this to improved training, rapid response, and intensified public education.

As part of the ceremony, four cadet officers received recognition for their outstanding performance during the Course.

Officer Cadet (OC) Priscilla Abena Dede Odoi was adjudged the Overall Best Officer Cadet; OC Ignatius Kissi Amponsah emerged Best in Academics; OC Michael Kwabena Gbeve received recognition for being the Best in Foot Drill and OC Richard Kagna Koffi was given the Commandant’s Award.

Addressing the award winners, Alhaji Muntaka urged them to let the values they demonstrated during training guide their careers.

Alhaji Muntaka encouraged the newly commissioned officers to wear their uniforms with pride, uphold the public trust, and serve with honour, courage, and integrity.

“Let me at this juncture also congratulate individuals for this achievement. I urge you and your colleagues not to rest on your oars, but to uphold professionalism and integrity in every duty you undertake,” he advised.

The colourful ceremony was attended by King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse, delegate from the Okyeman Traditional Council, and former leadership of the GNFS.

Also in attendance were heads of sister security agencies including the Ghana Prisons Service, Ghana Immigration Service, Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority, and the Ghana Armed Forces.