The Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Assistant Divisional Officer I, Alex King Nartey, has disclosed that the last time the service received any new fire tender was over 15 years.
According to the GNFS, the lack of logistics is affecting emergency response operations nationwide.
He argued that the lack of modern equipment continues to hinder the effectiveness of firefighters, particularly during floods, building collapses and fire outbreaks.
Alex King Nartey further expressed disappointment over public reactions to rescue operations during the recent floods.
He disclosed that firefighters who attempted to save lives were reportedly mocked by onlookers.
Speaking on Eyewitness News on Tuesday, June 30, Alex King Nartey stated, “ Do you hate the fire service so much that you laugh at a fire officer trying to rescue someone? Exactly what is our offence? People are even recording videos while firefighters are risking their lives, and yet they are laughing”.
“The last time we got any fire tender was over 15 years ago. 15 good years ago. Even if you buy a brand new car, within five to 10 years it will wear out. How much more fire tenders that respond to multiple fires a day?” he said.
Meanwhile, the GNFS has disclosed that its personnel rescued more than 470 people after responding to dozens of emergency incidents.
The GNFS disclosed that its firefighters and rescue teams remained on high alert from Sunday, June 28, to Tuesday, June 30, as they responded to multiple fire outbreaks, flood emergencies, rescue operations and a building collapse.
GNFS disclosed that, in collaboration with other emergency response agencies, it resulted in the rescue or safe evacuation of 479 people, with five lives lost, one person sustained injuries, and another remains missing.
However, the GNFS Public Relations Department, Alex Nartey, speaking on TV3’s Ghana Tonight programme, provided more updates.
According to him, rescue teams had been deployed to several flood-hit communities, with the number of people rescued exceeding 150 as of 10:00 p.m. on June 29.
Speaking on TV3’s Ghana Tonight programme, Nartey said. “The total number of people rescued will be in excess of about 150 people”.
He disclosed that successful rescue operations were carried out at Kasoa, Taifa, Weija, Dome and several other flood-affected areas.
Alex Nartey also gave an update on the casualties recorded during the disaster, revealing that firefighters recovered the body of an elderly man believed to be in his 60s at Alajo.
He noted that although the confirmed death toll stood at 12, the actual figure could be higher, as several people were still reported missing.
“The death toll that I can confirm is about 12 people. The breakdown is as follows: two people, a mother and her husband, at Tema New Town unfortunately lost their lives; one person at Alajo; at Achimota Alogboshie, a woman and a child lost their lives; at Odawna, we had four people die; and at Achimota Abofu, one person died. So far, the confirmed death toll is 12, but it looks like it could be more. However, for verifiable purposes, I’m sticking to 12,” Nartey stated.
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has disclosed that its personnel rescued more than 470 people and responded to dozens of emergency incidents over a three-day period as torrential rains, fires and structural emergencies wreaked havoc across Accra, Tema and surrounding… pic.twitter.com/7TOw2cfkff
— GHnow (@ghnow_) June 30, 2026
