In recent times, personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service have faced increasing physical attacks from members of the public while carrying out their duties.
These incidents, often occurring at fire scenes, are largely attributed to the absence of a dedicated Fire Police Unit to manage crowds and ensure the safety of firefighters.
There have been several reported cases where firefighters responding to emergencies were obstructed, verbally abused, or even assaulted by agitated residents.
In some instances, fire tenders have been vandalized, and operations delayed, putting lives and property at greater risk. These challenges have highlighted the urgent need for a structured security presence at fire scenes.
In response, the Service has reorganized its Fire Police Unit, a specialized wing that previously operated between October 1992 and 1998.
Historically, the unit was established to maintain discipline within the Service and to provide security support during emergency operations, particularly in managing hostile or anxious crowds at incident scenes.
The reintroduced Fire Police Unit is expected to once again serve as a protective barrier between firefighters and the general public, ensuring that personnel can carry out their duties without interference.
Speaking to the media, Chief Fire Officer Daniella Mawusi Ntow, expressed deep concern over the rising trend of attacks on fire personnel. She emphasized that reviving the Fire Police Unit is a necessary step to enhance operational safety and restore order at fire scenes.
“Recently, our firefighters have faced more attacks at emergency grounds. Some have been beaten,
harassed, and blocked by criminals. These people use weapons and other tools to stop our work and put lives at risk. This must stop” she added.
She further stated, “we are rebranding this unit into a formidable one. The unit will have more tasks and more responsibility. Beyond keeping discipline inside the Service, the Fire Police will now protect firefighters at incident grounds and fire scenes. You will be the first line of defence against anyone who tries to attack, block rescue work, or cause harm.”
“Your job is now bigger. So, your skills must also grow. You are expected to:
• Keep discipline and order among all ranks;
• Protect firefighters and equipment at emergency scenes;
• Control and stop threats from hostile persons or groups at fire grounds;
• Control traffic and secure areas at Service events and incidents;
• Investigate security cases that affect our work;
• Show high standards of conduct and self-control at all times,” she said.
As part of the reorganization, the first batch of 60 personnel, drawn from various units within the Service, has been selected to undergo three weeks of intensive training at the Fire Training Academy. The training will focus on discipline, tactical response, and crowd management.
Personnel from the Ghana Armed Forces Military Police will support the program by providing specialized instruction in self-defense and crowd control techniques.
This collaboration is expected to equip the Fire Police Unit with the skills needed to effectively manage volatile situations during emergencies.
On her part, the Commanding Officer of the Military Police urged the trainees to remain committed and open to learning, stressing the importance of professionalism in handling civilians.
She encouraged them to fully embrace the training, particularly in areas such as crowd control and basic combat readiness, which are critical to their new role.
The revival of the Fire Police Unit marks a significant step toward strengthening the operational capacity of the Ghana National Fire Service, ensuring both firefighter safety and improved emergency response outcomes.
