Ghana's firefighting force is under strain as over half of the country’s fire trucks remain out of service, limiting the Ghana National Fire Service's (GNFS) ability to respond to emergencies effectively.

A recent report, obtained through Ghana's Right to Information (RTI) law and led by journalist Fred Smith, highlights a severe shortage in operational fire engines. Out of 248 fire trucks, only 115 are functional, leaving 133 vehicles out of commission due to various mechanical and electrical issues, significantly impacting GNFS’s preparedness.

According to Smith’s report, several regions across Ghana are critically under-equipped. The Oti and Upper East regions, in particular, have no functioning fire trucks, while other regions, including Volta and Upper West, report extensive mechanical failures across their fleets.

In the Greater Accra Region, where a high population density demands effective emergency services, nearly 60% of fire trucks are unavailable, leaving some areas like Adenta, Tema Township, and even the National Headquarters with minimal resources.

Fred Smith outlined some of the common mechanical issues behind the equipment failures, citing engine breakdowns, brake malfunctions, control board issues, and persistent electrical faults.

Notably, in Accra's Korle Bu area, an emergency vehicle reportedly caught fire en route to an incident due to its poor condition, failing to reach the scene in time. In Weija, the area’s only fire truck is currently out of commission because of an engine fault, underscoring how vulnerable many communities are without reliable equipment.

The situation in the Ashanti Region, a key area with a population of over 5 million, is also concerning. Reports indicate that 25% of its fire trucks are either broken or in need of urgent repairs.

Major areas in the region, including Kumasi Metro, Manhyia, and New Edubiase, are left with limited fire response capacity.

Efforts are being made to address this shortfall.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia recently commissioned new facilities and operational vehicles for the GNFS, aiming to modernize and expand the agency’s resources.

Yet, with over half of Ghana’s firefighting equipment currently unusable, experts say that substantial investment in maintenance and new equipment is critical to improving the nation's firefighting readiness and ensuring the safety of its citizens.