On the morning of March 21, 2025, a massive fire ravaged the Adum Blue Light area in Kumasi, devastating businesses housed in two-story buildings. The fire, which began around 6 a.m., was triggered by a spark from an electricity pole, reportedly exacerbated by power cuts. As the fire spread quickly, it resulted in extensive damage before the firefighters could gain control. The tragic event has stirred widespread concern about the country’s preparedness in dealing with such emergencies, with many questioning whether the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has the necessary resources to act swiftly.

Among those raising concerns is Portia Nana Akua Pinamang, who publicly asked, “When will the fire service be adequately equipped with the necessary resources to prevent further tragedies?” Her statement echoes a growing frustration with the persistent lack of up-to-date firefighting equipment, which has long been a problem for the GNFS.

Portia’s statement comes on the heels of multiple reports highlighting the inadequate resources at the GNFS’s disposal. According to a 2024 report, more than half of the fire service’s fleet is either broken or outdated, creating significant delays in response times during emergencies. In fact, many fire trucks have exceeded their operational lifespan and are prone to breakdowns, making it difficult for the service to respond effectively to fires, like the one that occurred in Adum.

The fire at Adum Blue Light, which destroyed several shops and left traders in distress, is just the latest example of how resource shortages within the fire service can lead to devastating consequences. The response time of the fire trucks was reported to be slower than expected, as the service struggled to access operational fire tenders. This delay was critical in controlling the blaze, which could have been contained earlier with the right equipment.

Portia Nana Akua Pinamang’s query is not just a rhetorical question; it is a call to action. “When will the fire service be given the resources it needs?” she asks, urging the government to prioritize investments in firefighting infrastructure. The inadequate equipment in the hands of the Ghana National Fire Service endangers the lives of both firefighters and civilians, as was evident during the Adum fire.

In addition to the lack of equipment, the rising frequency of fires linked to electrical faults in various regions highlights the urgent need for improvement. Traders in the Adum Blue Light area, for example, have blamed the unstable power supply for the incident, claiming that regular power cuts have increased the risk of electrical fires in the area.

In response to the tragedy, former President John Dramani Mahama visited the site, expressing solidarity with the affected traders. While his visit brought attention to the devastation, it also highlighted the critical need for better resources to prevent such incidents from recurring.

Portia Nana Akua Pinamang’s statement should serve as a turning point in the conversation about firefighting resources in Ghana. It is clear that more urgent action is needed to equip the fire service with modern equipment, ensuring that they can respond effectively to emergencies and save lives. With the lives of many at stake, it is crucial that the government invests in the necessary infrastructure and resources to safeguard citizens from such disasters.

As Ghana continues to grapple with these challenges, the question remains: when will the fire service finally receive the support it needs to protect the people it serves?

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