GFL demands urgent retooling of GNFS to tackle disasters

The Ghana Federation of Labour (GFL) on Sunday called for the urgent modernisation of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), stressing that the continuous usage of obsolete equipment and inadequate capacity are undermining the service's ability to respond to fire outbreaks, flooding, and other emerging disasters.

Mr Abraham Koomson, GFL Secretary General, who made the call, said Ghana’s disaster profile has shifted beyond traditional fire incidents to include floods, industrial accidents, and climate-induced emergencies, yet the GNFS remains structurally and logistically ill-equipped.

He noted that the modernisation must go beyond the procurement of fire tenders; “it should cover technology, training, welfare, and infrastructure to align the Service with 21st-century disaster management standards.

“The GNFS cannot continue to fight 2026 disasters with 1990s tools,” the Federation stated. “We need a fully resourced, technologically driven, and professionally trained Fire Service capable of prevention, rapid response, and recovery across fire, flooding, and other hazards.”

Mr Koomson calls for the acquisition of modern firefighting appliances, rescue boats, drones, and early warning systems for flood-prone communities, specialised training in disaster management, hazardous material response, and urban search and rescue.

He also called for the expansion and rehabilitation of fire stations nationwide, with priority for coastal, mining, and industrial zones; improved conditions of service, insurance, and psychological support for personnel; and stronger collaboration between GNFS, NADMO, MMDAs, and the private sector for integrated disaster response.

The Federation argued that workplace safety and public safety are directly connected and noted that factory fires, market infernos, and flood-related disruptions cost workers their jobs and livelihoods each year.

“Protecting Ghanaian workers means protecting the institutions that protect them,” the GFL said. “A modern Fire Service is a labour issue, an economic issue, and a national security issue.”

Mr Koomson called on the government, Parliament, and development partners to prioritise budgetary allocation and policy reforms to retool the GNFS, urging the Service to embrace data-driven planning and community education to reduce preventable disasters.

The GFL Secretary General pledged to work with stakeholders to advocate for legislative backing that will mandate regular upgrades, audits, and disaster preparedness drills for the GNFS.

“A modern Ghana deserves a modern Fire Service. The time to invest is now, before the next disaster exposes the gaps again,” the GFL Secretary General stated.

Mr Koomson also noted that the June 29 floods that submerged parts of the Greater Accra Region and other areas exposed critical gaps in the country’s emergency response capacity.

The disaster claimed lives, displaced thousands, and destroyed homes, businesses, and public infrastructure.

He reiterated that effective disaster management cannot be left to goodwill and outdated equipment, adding that working people bear the brunt of such disasters. "Government must change the narratives immediately.

“GNFS can only deliver on its mandate when it is retooled with the latest firefighting and rescue technology available globally. We are in 2026. Other countries have moved far ahead in emergency response systems. Ghana must not be left behind,” he stated.

He noted that technological advancement in firefighting is not a luxury but a necessity tied directly to the protection of labour, property, and national productivity.

He further urged policymakers to embed labour and community safety at the centre of national disaster planning, stressing that protecting workers and vulnerable households must be treated as a political and economic priority.

“When floods hit, it is the trader in Tema, the driver in Accra, and the farmer in the peri-urban areas who lose everything overnight. A well-equipped Fire Service is therefore not just about fighting fires. It is about protecting jobs, protecting livelihoods, and protecting the dignity of labour,” Mr Koomson emphasised.

The June 29 rains remain one of the worst flood events in the Greater Accra Region, renewing national debate on infrastructure, urban planning, and the capacity of emergency services to respond to climate-induced disasters.

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