The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has called on the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, to issue an unreserved apology following comments he made that have been described as disrespectful and demoralizing to firefighters.
The Ashanti Regional Fire Commander, ACFO II Peter Tetteh, has expressed deep disappointment over the remarks, stating that they were unfair and unfortunate, especially considering the dedication of firefighters who put their lives on the line to protect lives and property.
Dr. Amoakohene’s comments, which have gone viral on social media, reportedly criticized the firefighters’ approach to handling a recent fire outbreak, questioning their effectiveness. His remarks have since sparked outrage among officers of the GNFS, with many feeling undermined and unappreciated.
In response, ACFO II Peter Tetteh stepped in to encourage his personnel, urging them to remain steadfast in their duties despite the controversy. He reassured them that their sacrifices were invaluable to the safety of Ghanaians and that their efforts were recognized by the public, even if some authorities failed to appreciate their hard work.
“The morale of our personnel is crucial in delivering effective fire service operations,” he emphasized. “We will not allow unfair criticisms to dampen our commitment to saving lives and protecting property.”
The Ghana National Fire Service has, therefore, demanded an official apology from the Regional Minister, insisting that such public condemnation without due engagement with the service is unwarranted and detrimental to the morale of officers.
Meanwhile, the incident has reignited discussions about the challenges faced by the GNFS, including inadequate resources, logistical constraints, and the need for better collaboration between state agencies and emergency responders.
Many Ghanaians have taken to social media to express their support for the firefighters, urging government officials to provide better working conditions instead of public criticism.
As tensions rise over the matter, all eyes are now on Dr. Frank Amoakohene to see whether he will respond to the GNFS’s demand for an apology.