All our fire tenders are aged: GNFS cries out for equipment following Kumasi blazes

The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has renewed its call for urgent government investment in modern firefighting, revealing that its fleet of fire tenders has not been replaced in more than 16 years despite responding to multiple emergencies daily.

Speaking on the Ghanakoma morning show on Akoma 87.9 FM in Kumasi with Sir John on Monday, October 12, 2026, to address fire outbreaks recorded in Kumasi from October 9 to October 11, 2026, the Ashanti Regional Public Relations Officer of the GNFS, DOIII Arhin Atta Mensah, said ageing fire engines continue to break down during operations, placing both firefighters and victims at greater risk, especially during large-scale disasters.

He said firefighters remain committed to saving lives even though they are often forced to work with obsolete equipment.

The service's logistical challenges have reached a critical stage, making it increasingly difficult to respond swiftly to disasters across the region.

“Our equipment is old. The last time we got any tender was over 16 years [ago].”

He raised the alarm over equipment and logistical challenges hampering operations, warning that a lack of urgent intervention could cripple the service's ability to respond to emergencies in the region.

He disclosed that the Ashanti Region has 22 fire tenders, but most of them are not in good shape.

He warned that unless the issue is addressed immediately, many of the vehicles could be grounded.

“We are struggling to maintain our ageing fleet. Many of our fire tenders are obsolete, and the parts are no longer available in the country. Without replacements, we risk a potential shutdown of operations in some areas,” DOIII Atta Mensah said.

The city of Kumasi over the weekend recorded three fire outbreaks on October 9, 10, and 11, 2026.

A fresh fire hit the Kumasi Central Market just hours after another blaze at Sokoban Ampayoo raised concerns about the safety of West Africa's largest open-air trading centre amid ongoing firefighting efforts and unknown causes.

A fire also gutted multiple stalls at the Tafo Nhyiaeso Moro Market, a major second-hand shoe trading hub in Ashanti, on October 11, 2026.

The blaze is the third fire outbreak to hit Kumasi within days, compounding losses for traders in the city.

Affected traders are calling on the government and relevant authorities for support to recover.