The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) says fire outbreaks across the country have reduced by more than 10 percent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
Divisional Officer II and Head of Public Relations at the Ghana National Fire Service, Desmond Ackah, disclosed this while speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Tuesday (21 April).
According to him, January alone recorded a 22.1 percent reduction in fire incidents, although slight increases were observed in February and March due to adverse weather conditions.
“Overall, we are doing well. We are over 10 percent down compared to last year,” he said.
Public education yielding results
Ackah attributed the decline to intensified public education campaigns in schools, markets, transport terminals, and communities.
He noted that increased awareness has helped some citizens respond more effectively before fire crews arrive, improving “on-arrival extinguishment” cases.
“People are now able to intervene before we arrive, which is helping reduce damage,” he said.
Preventable fires remain a concern
He stressed that most fire incidents remain preventable, citing misuse of electricity, unsafe gas handling, bush burning, and improper storage of flammable materials as key causes.
He also warned against rising vehicular fires, which increased from 156 cases last year to 176 in the first quarter of 2026.
Prank calls still high despite reduction
Ackah expressed concern over persistent prank emergency calls, describing them as a serious threat to emergency response systems.
Although prank calls have dropped from over 130,000 annually to about 100,000 in the first quarter, he said the numbers remain dangerously high.
“Every prank call denies someone in real danger the chance to be rescued,” he warned.
He added that offenders risk fines or a minimum of six months imprisonment under the law.
Public safety and accountability
GNFS said it has introduced dedicated direct lines for fire stations nationwide and is working with telecom operators to improve emergency connectivity.
Ackah urged parents to monitor children’s phone use, noting that many prank calls are made during school holidays.
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