The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has unveiled a comprehensive seven-year Strategic Plan, and a Scheme of Service designed to improve its operations and reduce fire risks across the country.
The Strategic Plan outlines the key objectives and priorities for the next seven years, with a focus on modernizing equipment, enhancing operational efficiency, and expanding fire safety initiatives.
It emphasizes continuous training for firefighters, community education on fire prevention, and the expansion of fire stations into underserved regions to ensure national coverage.
Mr. Kwame Anyimadu-Antwi, Member of Parliament for Asante Central North Constituency, while launching the documents on behalf of the Minister for the Interior, highlighted the swift action taken by the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in advancing its operations.
He expressed confidence that the new initiatives would further enhance the steady progress the Service has made in recent years.
“I strongly believe this will add up to the already steady trajectory on which the Service has found itself in recent years.”
The Scheme of Service aims to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of all personnel, from the Chief Fire Officer to the newest recruit.
It is designed to ensure fairness and transparency in career development, promote merit-based rewards for hard work, and raise the overall professionalism of the Service by setting high standards for performance, ethics, and conduct.
Mr. Anyimadu-Antwi, emphasizing the significance of the two newly launched documents, urged the officers of the GNFS to fully support their implementation.
He called for positive efforts from all members to ensure the success of these initiatives for the betterment of the Service.
Mr. Anyimadu-Antwi reassured the Service of the Government’s ongoing commitment to supporting the development efforts and underscored that the Government would continue to assist the Service in fulfilling its vital mandate to protect lives and properties from fire hazards and other life-threatening emergencies.
Mr. Julius Kuunuor , Chief Fire Officer (CFO), reflected on the GNFS’s legacy, stating that for the past 61 years, the Service has remained dedicated to its mission of safeguarding lives, property, and the environment from the devastating effects of fires and other dangers.
“We have faced numerous challenges, yet our resilience and dedication have propelled us forward.
“However, the complexities of modern emergencies demand that the Service evolve and adapt hence, the strategic plan,” he stated.
The CFO explained that the strategic plan was designed to align with Ghana’s broader national development objectives, while addressing the specific challenges of emergency response in the country.
He said that the plan would enable the Service to transition from a reactive to a proactive approach, thereby fostering a safer, more prepared Ghana for the future.
GNA