Upper West Fire Service Faces Equipment Shortage Hampering Emergency Response

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The Upper West Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has raised concerns over critical shortages of modern firefighting equipment, warning that outdated tools are compromising their capacity to effectively respond to emergencies across the region.

In an interview, ACFO Isaac Kofi Obosu, the Regional Fire Commander, disclosed that while the command is well-staffed, it currently lacks the necessary modern equipment and protective gear essential for efficient operations. The regional team comprises 619 personnel, including 545 firefighters and 74 senior officers. Despite their dedication and capability, the absence of up-to-date tools hampers their ability to deliver optimal emergency services.

ACFO Obosu explained that most of the firefighting gear in use has become obsolete, making it challenging to employ modern firefighting techniques and leverage technological advancements. He emphasized that the fire service is awaiting government support to upgrade its equipment, with assurances that efforts are underway to retool the force within the year.