The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), in collaboration with the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), has launched a three-week specialised “Train-the-Trainer” security programme to equip fire personnel against rising security threats at emergency scenes.
The training, which begins this month, will be held at the Fire Academy and Training School (FATS) in Jamestown, Accra, and is designed to strengthen the operational capacity of the Fire Police Unit and deepen cooperation between the two state institutions.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on Monday, the Head of the Military Police Unit of the GAF, Lieutenant Colonel Jacqueline Galley, stressed that the evolving nature of national security requires firefighters to move beyond their traditional roles.
While fire prevention, rescue, and disaster management remain the core mandate of the GNFS, she noted that modern emergency scenes often present volatile situations that require officers to possess broader competencies.
“The knowledge and skills you acquire, ranging from basic policing and intelligence gathering to VIP protection and operational tactics, will be invaluable in supporting national security operations,” Lt. Col. Galley stated.
She urged the participants to maintain the highest levels of discipline, reminding them that the Ghana Military Police Training School is renowned for its uncompromising standards.
The Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Mrs Daniella Mawusi Ntow Sarpong, described the programme as a landmark intervention to revitalise the Fire Police Unit, adding that the training forms part of efforts to strengthen professionalism, discipline, and safety across the Ghana National Fire Service.
She explained that under the new framework, Fire Police personnel would serve as the first line of defence at incident scenes, tasked with protecting firefighters, securing equipment, controlling crowds and traffic, and addressing security threats.
Mrs Ntow Sarpong urge the trainees to be diligent, as they would be expected to serve as master trainers, transferring the skills acquired to their colleagues across the 16 regions.
She expressed gratitude to the GAF for their expertise and announced that the training would be institutionalised and conducted every six months.
This, she said, would ensure that the GNFS remains proactive in the face of emerging security trends at emergency theatres.
Judith Twumwaa, ISD
