Fighting Fires and Frustration: Inside the Life of a Ghanaian Firefighter

By Aboagye

Takoradi, Ghana — The fire was already roaring through the carpentry shop when Assistant Station Officer Michael Asare and his team arrived. Smoke curled into the sky. Onlookers crowded in, shouting conflicting instructions. Their truck held only 500 gallons of water — barely enough.

“We had to improvise,” he recalls. “Call another station, connect to a nearby tap, pray there’s water in the line. And most of all — stay calm.”

It’s all in a day’s work for Ghana’s firefighters — frontline heroes battling blazes, road accidents, gas leaks, and public misconceptions with courage and often, very limited support.

The Fire Within: The Work of Ghana’s Firefighters

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) is responsible not only for fire emergencies but also:

Road traffic extrications
Rescue operations during floods or building collapses
Industrial safety checks
Public education on fire prevention

Yet for many, the term “firefighter” still conjures images of men with hoses arriving too late — a perception that deeply frustrates those behind the scenes.

“We’re not magicians,” says Officer Asare. “We’re responders — and we need the tools to respond well.”

Numbers that Burn

According to GNFS reports:

Ghana records over 5,000 fire incidents annually
The most common are domestic fires, especially during Harmattan season
In 2023, over 50 lives were lost and millions of cedis in property damaged
Response time averages between 10–30 minutes, depending on traffic, water access, and station proximity

The Service operates about 170 fire stations nationwide, but urban congestion and rural gaps hinder coverage.

When the Fire Truck Is Empty

One of the greatest ironies of firefighting in Ghana? Fire trucks with no water.

“It happens more than we’d like to admit,” says Asare. “Sometimes the hydrants are dry. Sometimes the water pressure is too low. Sometimes we arrive and the crowd is hostile because we’re ‘late.’”

Challenges include:

Insufficient hydrant mapping and maintenance
Lack of fire stations in high-risk districts
Old equipment that frequently breaks down
Poor urban planning that blocks access to fire scenes

Human Cost of the Flames

Behind every emergency call are responders who face:

Heat stress and injury in poorly ventilated gear
Mental trauma from scenes of death or destruction
Frustration at delayed responses due to traffic or false alarms
Low public appreciation, despite the danger they face

“We train for the worst,” says firefighter Doris Ankomah. “But we also cry when we lose someone. We carry those memories.”

The Women in the Flames

Though firefighting is often seen as male-dominated, Ghana has growing numbers of female firefighters — in operations, communications, and safety inspection.

Doris, who has served for 8 years, says the job is tough but empowering.

“People look shocked when I climb a ladder or break into a building,” she laughs. “But once the helmet is on, I’m just part of the team.”

Still, female officers report limited access to gear tailored to women, and a need for more leadership opportunities.

Prevention vs. Reaction

The GNFS continues to stress fire prevention through public education:

Safety talks in schools, churches, and markets
Inspection of gas stations and LPG retail points
Community training in fire extinguisher use

Yet, compliance is often low.

“Many businesses see fire safety as optional,” says Fire Inspector Nyame. “Until disaster strikes.”

Calls for Reform

Experts and officers are calling for:

More fire stations, especially in densely populated areas
Better hydrant systems and alternative water sources
Updated equipment, including protective gear and mobile water tanks
Traffic lane enforcement for emergency vehicles
Mental health support for firefighters
More funding for community engagement

In 2024, the government announced a plan to build 60 new stations by 2026 — but timelines remain uncertain.

Firefighting in the Digital Age

Some innovative steps are being taken:

GIS mapping of hydrants and risk zones
Digital call tracking systems to reduce response time
Drone surveys for large fires or inaccessible areas

But technology alone won’t solve everything.

“It still comes down to boots on the ground,” says Asare. “And water in the truck.”

Final Thought

Ghana’s firefighters walk into danger so the rest of us can walk away. They face flames, chaos, and sometimes, public blame — all while doing one of the most vital jobs in society.

They don’t ask for applause. But they do ask for respect, resources, and recognition.

“If we had what we needed,” Doris says, “we could save more lives.”