The Eastern Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has rubbished claims that some individuals attempted to set a fire tender ablaze in Nkawkaw.
In a press release dated June 13, 2025, the GNFS described the reports as “false and misleading,” clarifying that what eyewitnesses saw was a misinterpreted situation stemming from a fire tender getting stuck in a charcoal-filled muddy road.
According to the release signed by Regional Commander ACFO I Timothy Osafo-Affum, the incident occurred on Tuesday, June 11, 2025, when the Nkawkaw Station received a distress call about a fire outbreak at Zaragoza Atta Ne Atta.
“The crew immediately responded,” he stated, “but while en route and in close proximity to the scene, the fire tender got stuck in a muddy portion of the road, part of which is filled with charcoal.”
He further explained that, “In an effort to drive the tender out of the mud, the heat from the engine and the exhaust ignited the charcoal beneath the tender, resulting in the emission of smoke.”
This smoke, the release noted, was wrongly interpreted by onlookers as an arson attempt.
“We wish to categorically state that these reports are false… At no point in time did anyone attempt to set the fire tender ablaze. There was therefore no malicious intent,” the GNFS assured.
Due to the stuck tender, a separate vehicle from Mpraeso was quickly dispatched to attend to the emergency.
The Fire Service also reassured the public of its commitment to professionalism and swift response to all emergency calls.
