The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has warned civilians against attacking firefighters on duty, cautioning that perpetrators risk prosecution and sanctions.

Recent incidents include civilians assaulting fire personnel over delayed responses or faulty equipment. One firefighter was reportedly stabbed in Madina in the Greater Accra Region.

Speaking to Citi News during a public education campaign, Weija Divisional Fire Commander, ACFOII Isaac Saah, said attacks not only endanger personnel but also delay firefighting operations, potentially putting entire communities at risk.

“While attacks place our personnel in danger and demoralize them, they also delay our work, sometimes exposing entire areas to serious risk,” he said. The campaign, he added, aims to educate the public and prevent future attacks.

ACFOII Saah explained that while delays may occur due to faulty appliances or late reporting by the public, it does not mean firefighters are shirking their duties. He stressed that the service will not hesitate to take legal action to protect its personnel.

Between January and November 2025—excluding May, June, and July, when the Weija station could not respond due to a faulty truck—the division attended to 51 incidents.

Fourteen domestic fires constituting a greater share of the incidents occurred. Electrical installation fires followed with 10 incidents. Nine commercial fires were recorded, recorded crown/bush and refuse dump fires stood at seven, three institutional fires, two vehicular fires and two accident cases were responded to.

In addition, the command attended to one mob attack incident while receiving one false alarm.

Addressing officers after the route march, ACFOII Saah admonished them to avoid excessive drinking lifestyle and be more vigilant during this festive period.

He also admonished officers to continually upgrade themselves by pursuing higher academic credentials as well as updating themselves on the Ghana Fire Service’s operational modules.