The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is battling fires nationwide with just 235 fire engines, a number officials say falls short of what is needed to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies.
Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong says the limited fleet puts pressure on firefighters, especially in densely populated and high-risk areas.
Speaking in an interview, she explained that while the engines are spread across the country, demand often outpaces capacity, leaving crews stretched during major incidents.
Accra alone accounts for 25 fire engines, comprising water tenders, hydraulic platforms, and a recovery truck.
Even with this concentration, emergencies in the capital can overwhelm available resources, particularly when multiple fires break out at the same time.
The challenge is compounded by the age of many of the vehicles. Although most of the engines are currently in use, frequent breakdowns interrupt operations and require constant repairs, sometimes delaying response times when every minute counts.
The Fire Service believes the solution lies in expanding and modernising the fleet. According to the Chief Fire Officer, the President has pledged to support the Service with an additional 100 fire engines, a move she describes as a critical step toward improving national fire coverage.
“Our engines are functioning, but because they are old, once in a while you would have challenges, and they break down, so we repair them,” she said.
Beyond new engines, GNFS officials say long-term planning is needed to ensure every district or constituency has adequate fire cover.
Urban centres such as Greater Accra, Ashanti and Western regions may require more than one station or specialised equipment due to population size and industrial activity.
