adverts
VIDEO: Ghana Records 3,595 Fire Outbreaks, Loses Ghc188m in First Half of 2025 – GNFS
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has reported 3,595 fire outbreaks between January and June 2025, marking a 0.53% increase compared to the 3,576 cases recorded during the same period in 2024.
Despite the marginal rise in cases, the service says its fire prevention education and swift response strategies have led to significant improvements in property protection.
In an exclusive interview on Hot FM’s Morning Drive with Nana Addie Kwame (De Kay), Divisional Officer Grade Two (DO II) Desmond Ackah, Head of Public Relations at the GNFS, said:
adverts
“The slight drop of 19 cases compared to projections is a testament to the effectiveness of our nationwide fire safety education and awareness campaigns.”
DO II Ackah revealed that the GNFS managed to protect properties worth GHC203,389,679.00 in the first half of 2025 — a remarkable improvement from the GHC71,893,345.00 saved during the same period last year.
However, he acknowledged a worrying surge in property destruction, with an estimated GHC188,423,598.00 worth of property lost to fires so far this year, compared to GHC60,432,523.00 in 2024.
“The figures show a worrying rise in losses, but they also highlight how much worse it could have been without the efforts of our personnel. Over GHC300 million worth of property would have been lost if not for the timely interventions of the Fire Service,” Ackah stated.
According to the GNFS, the main causes of the fires include harsh weather conditions, negligence and non-compliance with fire safety regulations, road traffic accidents, electrical faults, and gas leakages.
Ackah stressed that the public’s failure to adhere to safety guidelines remains a critical challenge. He urged Ghanaians to take fire prevention seriously and called for collaboration with the media and community stakeholders in pushing safety messages.
“We need the support of the media, religious bodies, and traditional leaders to amplify our fire safety campaign. Fire safety is a shared responsibility,” he noted.
The GNFS has pledged to intensify its education efforts, targeting both urban and rural communities, especially as the harmattan season approaches later in the year.
DO II Ackah concluded by encouraging the public to:
- Install smoke detectors and fire extinguishers at home and workplaces.
- Avoid illegal electrical connections.
- Report suspected gas leaks and faulty wiring promptly.
- Heed safety regulations in commercial kitchens and markets.
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
GOT A STORY?
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or Email: manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
