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.
A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his role in a 2022 robbery at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.
The convict, Dominic Ofori, also known as Fanta, was arrested on 16th February 2026 after years on the run. He pleaded guilty before the Bekwai Circuit Court to robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 Act 29, and was accordingly sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
On March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning to attack a mining site at Manso Akwasiso to rob the owner of gold concentrate. Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated operation and laid an ambush at the site.
At about 5:30 pm the same day, four-armed men arrived at the site, fired indiscriminately, and robbed the miners of their gold concentrate. The police team on surveillance intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Three of the suspects, Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi, sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival at St Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum. Dominic Ofori escaped at the time but was later arrested and put before the court.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating violent crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Isaac Boafo, also known as “Duabo King,” for allegedly publishing false news intended to cause fear and panic.
Police said the arrest follows a viral TikTok video in which Boafo claimed that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols in Asafo.
Officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended Boafo after receiving intelligence about the video.
During questioning, he admitted to creating the video to attract views and engagement online, and acknowledged that he could not prove the allegations.
Boafo also admitted making comments about the President of the Republic for content purposes and could not defend those statements.
He has been formally charged and is in detention as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police have warned the public against publishing or sharing false information on social media, noting that such acts can cause fear, panic, and damage reputations.
They said anyone found engaging in similar conduct will face legal action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
