GNFS Threatens To Boycott Fire Emergencies

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) in the quest to safeguard their staff are threatening to boycott all emergencies in the country.

It follows a recent spate of assault on firefighters with the latest falling on crew members of the Kenyase Fire Station in the Ahafo Region over the weekend.

In a press statement, the GNFS said it would “boycott emergency services if the assaults do not cease immediately”.

According to the service, its officers in Asamankese and Konongo have recently had their fair share of public assault, an occasion it is unwilling to countenance any longer.

It has therefore demanded investigations into these incidents to make way for justice to prevail plus police protection in the delivery of their services across the country.

“In the wake of recent attacks on Firefighters, including the assault on Asamankese, Konongo Firefighters and the latest incident involving Kenyase Fire Station’s crew in the Ahafo Region, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is demanding Justice, Police Protection, and threatening to boycott emergency services if the assaults do not cease immediately.”

According to the Service, residents of Hwidiem Zongo assaulted their crew members stationed with the Kenyase Fire Station for responding late to a domestic fire and damaged their vehicle in the process on February 17.

It explained, “Despite their timely response at 11:34 am to a domestic fire at Hwidiem Zongo on Saturday, February 17th, 2024, the GNFS crew upon arrival at 11:48 am, faced accusations of tardiness and subsequently endured a mob attack, resulting in injuries to the duty driver and a firefighter and damage to the Fire Tender.

“The GNFS insists on swift investigations and legal action against perpetrators to ensure Firefighter’s safety during emergency responses emphasizing the urgency of addressing the alarming trend of violence against firefighters.”