Former Chief Director of the Ministry of the Interior, Mrs. Adelaide Annor-Kumi, has called on all women serving in the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to challenge themselves to make their contributions impactful and unforgettable.
Speaking at the 30th Anniversary launch of the Fire Service Ladies Association (FISLA) in Accra, Mrs. Annor-Kumi emphasized the critical role of institutional support in advancing gender inclusivity within the Service.
“Institutional backing is essential for any internal association to thrive,” she said. “I urge you to maintain and deepen that support because empowering women is not just a social obligation, it is a strategic imperative.”
The 30th anniversary celebration, themed “Spark to Flames: Tracing the Growth and Progress of Fire Service Ladies Over the Past Thirty (30) Years,” reflected on the Association’s history, challenges, and victories, while also envisioning its future.
Mrs. Annor-Kumi encouraged female officers to be visionary and forward-looking, urging them to define the next three decades with leadership, innovation, and merit.
“Let us use this celebration not just to look back but to look forward,” she said. “Let us challenge ourselves to reimagine what the next 30 years can look like a Service where women command with confidence, where leadership is earned by merit and not limited by gender, and where unity and professionalism remain the cornerstones of national safety.”
She also commended the Acting Chief Fire Officer, ACFO Daniella M.N. Sapong who is the first woman to hold the position in the Service’s history, urging other women to aspire to reach greater heights within the ranks.
In her address, the Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella M.N. Sapong who is also a founding member and patron of FISLA, shared her pride in the Association’s accomplishments and the strides made by women in a traditionally male-dominated profession.
“FISLA has grown into a formidable force. It has transformed lives, shattered glass ceilings, and left a lasting imprint on our institution,” she said.
“Through unity, hard work, and perseverance, the women of the Ghana National Fire Service have continuously risen above challenges and thrived.”
Reflecting on her personal journey, she added: “As the first female Chief Fire Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service and a founding member of FISLA, I speak not just from a place of pride but from lived experience. My journey from being the first female Deputy Chief Fire Officer to this current role alongside the rise of about eight female Directors within our ranks, is a testament to what is possible when women are given equal opportunity to serve and lead.”
She applauded the Association’s continued efforts in promoting education, capacity building, and empowerment, describing them as “not only commendable but truly inspirational.”
Also speaking at the event, the President of FISLA recounted the Association’s significant achievements over the past three decades while acknowledging the challenges that remain. She expressed confidence in the Association’s future and emphasized the importance of sustained progress.
“Our journey has not been without obstacles, but our resolve has always been stronger,” she noted. “We are confident that the next 30 years of Fire Ladies will be even more progressive, more impactful, and more united in purpose.”
As the Ghana National Fire Service marks this important milestone, the message from leaders past and present is clear: empowering women in the Service is not only about equity but also about excellence. With continued support, mentorship, and leadership development, FISLA is poised to blaze even brighter trails in the decades to come.
