Kantamanto Fire: GNFS Probes Extortion Allegations By Victims

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has announced that an investigation is underway to bring to book personnel at the Accra City Fire Station who have been extorting money from victims of the Kantamanto Fire incident who need attestation letters.

It comes after it was reported that some of the victims- who had secured loans to trade- were being charged a fee of GHC1000 by the personnel, making it difficult to report to the banks for the needed action.

In a statement on January 9, 2025, the Service noted that the practice is unauthorized, as per their regulations, no fee is supposed to be charged for the issuance of the letter.

“The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) wishes to inform the general public, especially victims of the recent Kantamanto fire, that NO FEES are charged for the issuance of attestation letters related to fire and emergency incidents.”

It therefore urged the public not to succumb to such demands when requesting for attestation letters.

Meanwhile, it noted that investigation is underway to fish out those behind the alleged extortion.

“We assure all affected victims that the matter is being taken seriously. A thorough investigation is underway, and any officer found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the GNFS’s disciplinary code.”

Additionally, it urged the public to report unprofessional acts of its personnel including such extortions to the GNFS Greater Accra Headquarters, Korle-Bu or contact the Public Relations Department on 050 960 8744 for necessary action.

A devastating fire gutted the Kantamanto Market in the Greater Accra Region on January 2 at around 1 am destroying the livelihoods of many traders.

The GNFS reported that there were no injuries or fatalities.

Source: opemsuo.com/Hajara Fuseini