News
Ghana National Service takes bold steps to protect markets from fires
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), in line with its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, has issued new directives aimed at enhancing fire safety in the
country’s major markets.
The country, in recent times has experienced some market fires, a situation that prompted leaders to take swift steps.
Against this backdrop, the Chief Fire Officer, Julius A. Kuunuor, has instructed that “Personnel and fire appliances be deployed at various markets across the country from
1800 hours to 0600 hours daily to provide round-the-clock fire cover.”
“A dedicated task force will patrol the markets daily to ensure swift action in case of any fire outbreaks and to provide constant vigilance,” the directive added.
It added that the GNFS will establish fire units/posts in key markets across the country to intensify fire safety education, conduct inspections, and ensure compliance with fire safety protocols.
“All GNFS personnel assigned to market protection duties will submit daily Situation Reports (SITREPS) to the National Heacquarters Operations (NHQ OPS INFO) platform
at 0900 hours for further review and action,” the directive added.
“The GNFS will work closely with market authorities, the Ghana Police Service and National Security to ensure effective surveillance, protection, and quick response to any fire-related incidents,” it concluded.
Minister for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Ahmed Ibrahim, has revealed that in the whole of 2024, only GHS 362 million was released to MMDAs in Common Fund.
Contrary to this, In 2025 alone GHS 5 billion was released to the MMDAs with the following breakdown as follows.
The Minister made this revelation when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series held today.
In breakdown, the minister nonted that 1st Quarter – 790,372,058.40 was released for 2025.
He added that for the 2nd Quarter, 1,464,983,309.60 was released.
3rd Quarter saw the release of 1,188,921,640.80 and
1,592,706,391.20 for 4th Quarter.
The Minister added tha each of the MMDAs were required to undertake the following; at least 2-CHPS compounds, 3 Classroom blocks, 10 Boreholes, and Completion of legacy projects.
Additionally, 25% of the Common Fund was allocated for the Construction of 24-Hour Economy Model Markets.
Ahmed Ibrahim noted that as a result of the timely and unprecedented release of Funds, a total of 494 CHPS compounds, 761 Classroom Blocks, 4,029 Boreholes, and 2,755 Legacy projects are currently at various stages of completion.
Also, he added that 261 24-Hour Economy Model Markets have all been awarded on contracts and construction has begun on many of them.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr. Christian Tetteh Yohuno, together with members of the Police Management Board (POMAB), on April 17, 2026, decorated nineteen (19) senior officers who have been promoted to their next ranks based on the recommendations of the Police Council and approval of the President, John Dramani Mahama.
The ceremony, held at the National Police Headquarters in Accra, forms part of efforts to recognise merit, dedication, and long-standing service within the Ghana Police Service, while strengthening leadership across key operational and administrative levels.
The officers promoted from Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) to Commissioner of Police (COP) are Dr. Luke Asue-In-Yeng Zakpaa, Mr. Frederick Agyei, Mr. Duuti Tuaruka, Mr. Arthur Osei-Akoto, Mr. Darko Offei Lomotey, Mr. Eric Ken Winful, Mr. Barnabas Nambont Nasumong, and Mr. Desmond Owusu Boampong.
The IGP and members of POMAB congratulated the officers and urged them to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the discharge of their duties.
