New fire tenders to arrive in 4 months — Interior Minister
The first batch of newly procured fire tenders for the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is expected to arrive within four months, the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak, has announced. He said the procurement process had been completed by the Central Tender Committee and that the government would proceed immediately to sign the … The post New fire tenders to arrive in 4 months…
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is set to receive its first shipment of newly procured fire tenders within the next four months, according to the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed Mubarak. Mr. Muntaka announced this during the commissioning ceremony of 26 Automated Fire Safety Compliance System (AFCAS) vehicles and motorcycles, alongside other fire safety equipment, in Accra last Friday.
The minister emphasized that the procurement process had been finalized by the Central Tender Committee, and the government would promptly proceed with signing the contract to facilitate the delivery of the fire tenders. He noted that the arrival of the new fire tenders would bolster the operational readiness of the GNFS, particularly in the face of rapidly urbanizing conditions, heightened industrial activity, burgeoning vehicular traffic, commercial expansion, and the integration of emerging technologies that present increasingly intricate risks.
Mr. Muntaka underscored that government investment in emergency response institutions was not a mere cost but a strategic investment in public safety, national resilience, and sustainable development. He reiterated the government's steadfast commitment to ensuring that emergency services are adequately equipped, professionally trained, and strategically positioned to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies.
The commissioned vehicles included five 15-seater vans, five saloon cars, six pick-ups, and 10 motorbikes, along with additional fire safety equipment. Mr. Muntaka praised the role of the private sector in enhancing public safety and encouraged continued support from various stakeholders, including the private sector, development partners, civil society organizations, and philanthropic institutions.
He urged the GNFS to maintain and deploy the new vehicles and equipment responsibly, emphasizing that their long-term value would be contingent upon proper maintenance, accountability, and operational discipline. The Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, highlighted that the commissioning extended beyond merely adding to the GNFS fleet.
She stressed that the new resources would enhance the Service's operational capabilities, improve mobility and response times, and enable personnel to perform their duties more effectively, thereby fortifying the Service's ability to save lives, protect property, and mitigate the impact of disasters on communities. However, Ms. Sarpong cautioned that equipment alone could not guarantee the efficacy of a professional fire service; its effectiveness hinged on the competence, discipline, maintenance culture, and dedication of the officers operating the assets.
She called upon GNFS personnel to treat the new resources with the utmost professionalism and responsibility, considering them a renewed call to duty and ensuring their effective and responsible utilization in service of the public.
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