Ghana’s Acting Chief Fire Officer, Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sapong, has delivered a heartfelt call to action at the maiden National Safety Awards, urging citizens, institutions, and policymakers to embed safety as a daily national habit rather than a reactive response.
Speaking at the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) Headquarters in Accra on Friday, July 11, 2025, CFO Ntow Sapong described the inaugural event as a milestone in Ghana’s safety journey, symbolising not only recognition of excellence but also a collective rally toward a safer, more resilient country.
“This gathering is not just a ceremony,” she said. “It is a powerful call to make safety a central part of Ghana’s development agenda.”
The National Safety Awards, held under the theme “Recognizing Excellence, Inspiring a Culture of Safety,” was created to celebrate individuals and institutions that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to promoting safety across sectors.
“This is about more than trophies,” CFO Ntow Sapong stressed. “It’s about building a culture where safety is second nature in our homes, schools, farms, markets, and roads.”
Reflecting on the evolution of the GNFS, CFO Ntow Sapong recalled how the Service’s small Fire Prevention Department in James Town has grown into a nationwide operation since the passage of the Fire Service Act 537 in 1997 and the establishment of L.I. 1724 in 2003. These legislative developments led to the creation of the Fire Safety Directorate, which has since become a cornerstone of public protection in Ghana.
She saluted the visionary officers, past and present whose dedication helped shape a robust institution.
Highlighting recent achievements, CFO Ntow Sapong announced that in the last two years alone, the GNFS has:
Issued over 41,000 fire certificates
Granted over 9,000 fire permits
Conducted 32,626 fire audits and inspections
Held more than 33,000 public education sessions
Saved GHS 354 million worth of property from fire-related damage
In the first half of 2025, the GNFS recorded 3,595 fire cases, a marginal rise of 0.53% from the same period in 2024. She attributed the increase primarily to dry weather conditions and lapses in basic fire precautions.
She also unveiled plans to introduce a fire safety syllabus in basic schools, in collaboration with the Ghana Education Service and Ulster University. The initiative aims to build long-term public awareness and foster a generation of “safety ambassadors.”
“Our children will grow up understanding the importance of being safe and they will carry that message into their homes and communities,” she said.
She concluded by calling on all Ghanaians to support the Fire Service not just with words, but with resources and collaboration from upgrading equipment to expanding training programmes.
“We are not just firefighters. We are educators, inspectors, rescuers, and public servants. But we can’t do it alone.”
The message of the day was clear: Safety is not seasonal. It is personal, national, and essential and it starts with each of us.
