The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has issued an apology following comments made by its Public Relations Officer, Alex King Nartey, regarding a recent fire outbreak at Adum in Kumasi.
In a letter signed by Acting Chief Fire Officer Daniella M. Ntow Sapong, the service stated, “I refer to the uncomplimentary comments and remarks by a member of the Public Relations Team of the Service in the person of ADO1 Alex King Nartey on the recent fire outbreak at Adum in the Kumasi Metropolis.”
The letter expressed regret over Nartey’s remarks, which have sparked controversy and tension between the Fire Service and some members of the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC).
Background
The tension stems from Nartey’s response to criticisms directed at firefighters by the Ashanti Regional Minister after the Adum market fire.
In an interview on Accra-based GH One TV, Nartey defended the actions of the firefighters, explaining that their standard operating procedures require that at least one fire tender remain at the scene, even if it has run out of water, to allow for refilling when water arrives.
His explanation and subsequent social media posts, however, did not sit well with some individuals, including Onasis Kobby, who has called for his removal.
The Ashanti Regional Minister, in a similar post, accused Nartey of being more of a politician than a fire officer, an assertion Nartey has strongly denied.
According to him, the minister’s public outburst demanding the removal of the empty fire tender was contrary to the service’s operational procedures. He warned that such actions could demoralize fire officers who risk their lives under difficult conditions to fight fires.
In an attempt to defuse the situation, the Ghana Fire Service, in its apology letter, unreservedly expressed its sincere regret to the minister.
The service also assured that disciplinary measures would be taken against the officer to prevent a recurrence.
The letter reaffirmed the service’s commitment to supporting efforts to reduce fire outbreaks in the Ashanti Region and acknowledged the contributions of regional authorities in fire management.
