Retired Fire Officers Demand Apology from Ashanti Regional Minister Over ‘Disrespectful’ Comments

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Accra, Ghana – The Association of Retired Fire Officers has strongly condemned what it describes as "unwarranted criticism and public humiliation" of Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) personnel by the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, during the recent Adum PZ fire incident.

In a strongly worded statement, the retired officers expressed disappointment over the Minister’s public rebuke of firefighters after more than ten hours of intense firefighting efforts. They criticized Dr. Amoakohene for failing to consult the Incident Commander before making comments that undermined the professionalism and dedication of the officers on the ground.

According to the association, firefighters had strategically positioned fire tenders and base pumps in accordance with standard operating procedures. They explained that delays in water supply were due to the absence of necessary earth-moving equipment, which the Minister had promised to provide by 8:00 AM but only arrived at 7:15 PM—more than 11 hours later. Despite these challenges, firefighters, exhausted but determined, manually cleared debris to gain access to remaining fire pockets.

The retired officers also dismissed suggestions that the GNFS should be placed under the Police or Military, describing such calls as “misguided and dangerous.” They emphasized the specialized role of the GNFS in fire safety enforcement, technical risk assessments, and emergency rescue operations, warning that dissolving the Service would weaken the nation’s emergency response system.

The association has called on President Nana Akufo-Addo to investigate the matter and ensure that Dr. Amoakohene issues an unreserved public apology. They further urged well-meaning Ghanaians and the media to condemn the Minister’s actions, emphasizing that public officials should support, rather than undermine, state institutions.

While reaffirming their unwavering support for the GNFS, the retired officers also called on the government and corporate stakeholders to prioritize retooling the Service with modern firefighting equipment. They urged the GNFS to investigate any personnel found culpable in the incident and continue public education on operational procedures to prevent misunderstandings in the future.

The retired fire officers reiterated their commitment to upholding the integrity of the Service and urged the public to respect and support firefighters in their lifesaving duties.

Credit: Nana Kwasi Asare

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