The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Alex King Nartey, has disclosed a critical gap in firefighter welfare, revealing that firefighters in Ghana are not covered by any health insurance scheme for injuries sustained in the line of duty.
According to him, officers injured while responding to fires or rescue operations must pay their own medical expenses upfront, with the only available option being a delayed and uncertain reimbursement process.
This revelation follows recent comments by Ashanti Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene during his visit to the scene of the devastating fire outbreak at Adum in Kumasi on Saturday, March 22. The fire, which erupted in a commercial building in Adum, destroyed shops and goods worth thousands of Ghana cedis. The cause is still under investigation.
Although GNFS personnel swiftly responded to contain the blaze and prevent further destruction, the minister’s visit was marked by frustration when he observed what he claimed to be an empty fire tender at the scene. He publicly confronted the firefighters, questioning the presence of the vehicle if it had no water.
Reacting to the minister’s comments, Alex King Nartey expressed disappointment, stating that rather than criticism, a gesture of appreciation would have been more appropriate.
“Firefighters risk their lives every day, yet they do so without insurance cover. A simple ‘thank you’ would have gone a long way,” he told GHOne TV.
“When a firefighter gets injured, they must use their own money to seek treatment and then apply for reimbursement. If they don’t have the funds immediately, they’re forced to borrow—just to get medical care.”
He further stressed that public reprimands such as the one from the minister are demoralising to service personnel who already work under difficult conditions.
“There’s a better way to handle such concerns—speak to the commanding officer privately, get updates, and understand the situation before making statements that could dampen morale,” he added.