Interior Minister inaugurates new Fire Service Council

The Minister for the Interior, Alhaji Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, has officially inaugurated the newly formed Governing Council of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) at a ceremony held in Accra.

The minister’s address made a very strong case for a comprehensive revision of the Fire Service Act of 1997 (Act 537), emphasizing the significance of bringing the law in line with current challenges, international standards, and emerging global threats.

Alhaji Muntake stressed that the mandate of the GNFS has extended to a cause larger than firefighting to encompass a wider set of responsibilities, including multi-hazard emergency response, rescue operations, fire prevention, public education, hazardous material handling, and disaster mitigation. The Minister also urged the council to implement necessary reforms to reflect the new roles of the service.

In addition, he assured the Ministry’s complete support in attempts to modernize and properly equip the service, ensuring that it operates within a strong policy framework backed by ethical and effective leadership.

“I congratulate all members of the Council on your appointment and trust that you will discharge your duties with integrity, professionalism, and dedication,” Muntaka said.

Taking his turn to speak, the newly appointed Chairman of the Council, Nana Ofori Ahenkan II, reaffirmed the Council’s dedication to promoting transparency and accountability within the Fire Service.

He emphasized the Council’s role in steering the GNFS into a future where it can effectively carry out its critical national responsibilities.