Attacks on firefighters are attacks on public safety - Western Regional Minister

The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, has strongly condemned recent incidents of attacks on firefighters, describing them as “troubling” and a direct threat to public safety.

He made the remarks during a durbar organised by the Western Regional Command of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) to mark this year’s International Firefighters Day celebration. The event was held at the forecourt of the Regional Fire Headquarters at Fijai under the theme: “An attack on firefighters and equipment is an attack on public safety: End assaults and protect the firefighter.”

According to the Minister, firefighters are not only emergency responders but highly trained professionals who risk their lives daily to protect citizens and property from fire disasters. He stressed that any form of attack, obstruction, or sabotage against them during operations undermines national safety efforts.

“Firefighters are men and women who run toward danger when others are fleeing,” he said. “Whether it is a raging market fire, an industrial explosion, a road traffic accident, or a domestic emergency, they stand between disaster and survival.”

Mr. Nelson expressed concern over rising cases of hostility and physical assaults against fire officers in the line of duty, warning that such actions put entire communities at risk.

“It is deeply troubling that these same individuals sometimes face hostility, obstruction, and even physical assault while performing their duties,” he added. “Any attack on a firefighter is an attack on all of us. When a fire tender is stoned, delayed, or denied access, lives are put at risk.”

He appealed to the public to cooperate with fire personnel during emergencies by giving way to fire tenders, avoiding overcrowding at incident scenes, and refraining from any form of interference or vandalism.

The Western Regional Fire Commander, Assistant Chief Fire Officer (ACFO) II David Asah Darko, also raised concern over increasing incidents of verbal and physical assaults on firefighters, as well as damage to life-saving equipment. He warned that such actions severely compromise emergency response efforts and endanger public safety.

International Firefighters Day, observed globally on May 4, was marked in the region with activities including a minute’s silence in honour of fallen firefighters, the hoisting of flags, and the laying of coins in remembrance of deceased personnel who lost their lives in service.

Officials used the occasion to renew calls for respect, protection, and support for firefighters, emphasizing their critical role in safeguarding lives and property across the country.