The Government has commissioned a fleet of vehicles for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) as part of efforts to strengthen the operational capacity and mobility of the Service across the country.

The vehicles, comprising two Toyota Hiace minibuses, four Nissan Navara pick-ups, one Toyota Camry saloon car, and a Honda motorbike, were procured by the Government and a key partner of the Service, Mr Gidon Seju.

At the commissioning ceremony in Accra, Mr Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, the Minister for the Interior, said the presentation of the vehicles demonstrated government’s unwavering commitment to improving the logistics and operational efficiency of the GNFS.

He recalled that shortly after assuming office last year, the Government handed over 15 pick-up vehicles to augment the operations of the Service, adding that the latest intervention further underscored government’s resolve to support firefighters in the discharge of their duties.

“The work of the Fire Service remains critical to national safety and development. Every day, firefighters put their lives on the line to protect life, property and critical national infrastructure,” he said.

Mr Mubarak noted that the newly commissioned vehicles would improve mobility, support operational duties and enhance rapid response capabilities of the Service.

He acknowledged the logistical challenges confronting the GNFS and assured the officers and men that government remained committed to gradually addressing those challenges through continuous recruitment and the provision of equipment.

He disclosed that processes had already begun for the procurement of fire engines and rescue equipment for the Service, adding that technical teams from the GNFS would soon engage potential vendors.

The Minister said government was optimistic that the first batch of fire engines promised in the national budget would begin arriving before the end of the year.

He assured personnel that government had not abandoned its commitment to improving their welfare.

Mr Mubarak announced plans to ensure that officers and personnel of the GNFS received comprehensive annual medical check-ups and improved insurance coverage as part of measures to safeguard their health and well-being.

He commended the Chief Fire Officer, Mrs Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sapong, the management and personnel of the Service for their dedication, professionalism and sacrifice in protecting lives and property.

The Minister particularly praised the Fire Service for intensifying public education and fire safety sensitisation campaigns across markets, schools and communities, noting that such efforts were contributing to a reduction in fire outbreaks nationwide.

He also lauded the Fire Service Council and the leadership for establishing the Fire Police Unit to provide security and support for firefighters during emergency operations.

Mr Mubarak urged management to strengthen the training and expand the numbers of the Fire Police Unit to ensure adequate protection for personnel during rescue and firefighting operations across the country.

He called on the public to support the GNFS by observing fire safety measures and cooperating with firefighters during emergencies, stressing that fire safety remained a shared responsibility.

Mrs Daniella Mawusi Ntow-Sapong, the Chief Fire Officer of the GNFS, while receiving the vehicles, expressed gratitude to the government for the support so far.

She pledged the proper maintenance of the vehicles and said they would be used for the intended purpose to the benefit of Ghanaians.