The Ghana National Fire Service ( GNFS) has renewed its call for urgent government investment in modern firefighting,revealing that its fleet of Fire tenders has not been replaced in more than 16 years despite responding to multiple emergencies daily.
Speaking on Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9fm in Kumasi with Sir John, on Monday, October 12, 2026, to respond to Fire outbreaks recorded in Kumasi from October 9, 2026 to October 11, 2026, in Kumasi, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of GNFS, DOIII Arhin Atta Mensah, said, ageing Fire engines continue to break down during operations, placing both firefighters and victims at greater risk ,especially, during large-scale disasters.
He said firefighters remain committed to saving lives even though they are often forced to work with obsolete equipment.
The Service’s logistical challenges have reached a critical stage making it increasingly difficult to respond swiftly to disasters across the region.
“Our equipment are old. The last time we got any tender was over 16 years.”
He raised alarm over equipment and logistical challenges hampering its operations, warning that a lack of urgent intervention could cripple its ability to respond to emergencies in the region.
He disclosed that Ashanti Region has 22 Fire tenders but most of them are not in good shape.
He warned that unless the issue is addressed immediately, many of the vehicles could be grounded.
“We are struggling to maintain our ageing fleet. Many of our fire tenders are obsolete, and the parts are no longer available in the country. Without replacements, we risk a potential shutdown of operations in some areas,” DOIII Atta Mensah said.
The city of Kumasi over the weekend recorded three Fire outbreaks on 9th ,10th and 11th October,2026.
Fresh fire hits Kumasi Central Market just hours after another blaze at Sokoban Ampayoo raised concerns about the safety of West Africa’s largest open_air trading centre,amid ongoing firefighting efforts and unknown causes.
A fire again gutted a multiple stalls at Tafo Nhyiaeso Moro Market, a major second_hand shoe trading hub in the Ashanti on October,11,2026.
The blaze is the third fire outbreak to hit Kumasi within days, compounding losses for traders in the city.
Affected traders are calling on government and relevant authorities for support to recover.
By Benjamin Aidoo
