The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), in collaboration with the North Dakota National Guard, has successfully concluded a week-long hazardous materials (hazmat) training program aimed at enhancing emergency response capabilities in Ghana.
Held at the GNFS Headquarters, the intensive training equipped 55 selected security personnel—including 45 GNFS officers, 5 Ghana Armed Forces personnel, and 5 NADMO officers—with specialized skills in handling hazardous material emergencies.
Participants received comprehensive instruction on identifying hazardous substances, understanding chemical properties, implementing emergency response protocols, and executing decontamination procedures.
The training combined theoretical lessons with hands-on simulations to ensure practical readiness for real-world incidents.
Speaking at the closing ceremony, Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Julius Kuunuor commended the North Dakota National Guard for their dedication to strengthening Ghana’s emergency preparedness.
He highlighted the critical role of the training in enhancing the capacity of security personnel, ensuring both their safety and the protection of lives and property.
As part of their support, the North Dakota National Guard team also donated Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) to GNFS personnel.
CFO Kuunuor expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasizing that the PPEs would significantly enhance firefighters’ safety during hazmat operations.
Beyond skill development, the training fostered stronger inter-agency coordination, ensuring a more effective joint response to hazardous material incidents.
Participants were awarded certificates of proficiency, reinforcing their role as key responders
