Five hundred and seventy-eight (578) officer cadets, comprising 356 men and 222 women, have graduated from the Fire Service Academy and Training School in Jamestown, Accra.
Among the 578 cadets, 444 are direct entrants—269 males and 175 females—while 134 are serving officers—87 males and 47 females—eligible for promotion.
24-week intensive training programme
The cadets, code-named Intake 24, underwent a rigorous 24-week training programme at the Ghana National Fire Service College in Kyebi-Akwadum.
The course provided a comprehensive foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of modern firefighting.
Trainees received in-depth instruction in leadership, ethics, public finance, administrative procedures, media relations, organisational behaviour, and command principles—preparing them for the responsibilities of officer-level roles within the Service.
Technical and practical firefighting skills
On the technical front, cadets studied critical fire science and emergency response subjects, including the chemistry and physics of combustion, hydraulics, hazardous materials management, breathing apparatus operations, fire investigations, and road traffic collision extrication.
Practical modules covered fire suppression techniques, building construction, foam-making, first aid, and the use of fire service communication systems.
To ensure peak performance, cadets also underwent daily physical training and foot drills designed to enhance physical fitness, endurance, and mental resilience.
Interior Minister commends cadets and instructors
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, assured traditional authorities and stakeholders that the second phase of the Fire Service College project would be expedited to enable future graduations to be held at its permanent site.
He commended the officer cadets for their discipline and professionalism, describing their performance as “nothing short of remarkable.”
He also paid tribute to the instructors and commandants for the rigorous training provided in both academic and physical disciplines.
Govt steps up fire service modernisation
Highlighting the growing complexity of fire emergencies in an era of urbanisation and climate change, the Minister emphasised the government’s commitment to modernising the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS).
He announced that GNFS personnel are now covered by insurance in the event of injury, disability, or death in the line of duty—with compensation packages starting at GH₵50,000 for injury and up to GH₵100,000 for permanent disability or death.
Fire incidents and prank calls: Minister raises concern
Between January and May 2025, Ghana recorded 3,201 fire incidents—a slight reduction from 3,238 cases during the same period in 2024.
False or prank emergency calls also dropped by over 31%. However, the Minister warned that the average of 40,000 prank calls per month remains unacceptable.
He called on religious, educational, and community leaders to intensify public education and urged the Minister for Communication and Digitalisation to assist in tracing and prosecuting perpetrators.
Investments in equipment and logistics
As part of efforts to strengthen the Service’s operational capacity, the Minister reaffirmed the government’s investment in modern fire tenders, rapid intervention vehicles, protective gear, and communication tools.
Outstanding cadets honoured
Outstanding cadets, including Officer Cadet Odoi Abena Dede Priscilla, Ignatius Kissi Amponsah, Michael Kwabena Gbeve, and Richard Koffi—nicknamed “OC Plumber” for his practical skills—were recognised for their exemplary performance during training.
Call to uphold professionalism and public trust
The Minister urged the newly commissioned officers to uphold professionalism, integrity, and public trust in their service and to become torchbearers of a safer Ghana.
