The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has revealed that the country recorded 6,436 fire incidents in 2024, marking a 7.75% increase from 5,973 the previous year.
The Greater Accra Region reported the highest number of cases, with 1,309 incidents, followed by the Ashanti Region with 1,145, the Eastern Region with 648, and the North East Region recording the lowest, with 15.
The financial impact of these fires was significant, with the cost of damages also increasing from GHȻ177,939,898.20 in 2023 to GHȻ270,352,100.00, an increase by GHȻ92,412,201.80 representing 51.9%. in 2024, while salvaged properties rose from GHȻ211,766,887.00 in 2023 to GHȻ550,196,972.00, an increase by GHȻ338,430,085.00 representing 159.8%, in 2024.
Beyond the numbers, fire outbreaks have continued to disrupt businesses, displace families, and claim lives, underscoring the need for urgent action.
In response to these alarming statistics, the GNFS launched the 2025 National Fire Safety Week Campaign on Monday, February 24, under the theme: “Fire Safety: Key to National Development and a Foundation for Our Safety and Security.”
The week-long initiative aims to raise awareness and educate the public on fire prevention strategies.
Activities began on Sunday, February 23, and include community outreach programs at churches, mosques, shopping malls, garages, restaurants, and lorry parks.
Additionally, the campaign features float walks, media discussions, and inspections of selected premises by fire safety task forces.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Fire Officer Julius A. Kuunuor attributed the rise in fire incidents to harsh harmattan conditions and widespread non-compliance with fire safety regulations.
He emphasized the need for stronger preventive measures, stressing that increased public awareness and adherence to safety protocols could significantly reduce such incidents.
Representing the Minister for the Interior, Mr. Solomon Tetteh Mensah, Director of Research, Statistics & Information Management, delivered a strong call to action.
He highlighted the devastating consequences of fire outbreaks on livelihoods and national development, noting that fires lead to economic instability, job losses, and increased financial burdens on individuals and the government.
To address the growing crisis, the government reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the GNFS with modern firefighting equipment, intensified public education campaigns, strict enforcement of fire safety laws, and expanded community-based fire prevention programs.
Mr. Mensah also stressed the importance of integrating fire prevention into Ghana’s broader development agenda and leveraging technology to improve fire detection, reporting, and response times.
However, fire prevention is not solely the responsibility of the GNFS. Mr. Mensah urged all Ghanaians to take personal responsibility by prioritizing fire safety in their homes, workplaces, and communities.
He called on business owners, market leaders, religious institutions, and schools to implement proper fire prevention measures, such as switching off electrical appliances when not in use, avoiding indiscriminate burning, handling gas and flammable materials safely, and ensuring buildings have emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
With the National Fire Safety Awareness Campaign now in full swing, the GNFS is intensifying efforts to educate the public and enforce safety regulations.
As Ghana battles the rising trend of fire outbreaks, the call for vigilance and proactive fire prevention has never been more urgent.
By working together, the nation can build a fire-resilient future where lives and properties are protected from the devastating impact of fire disasters.
