Ghana firefighters receive zero insurance coverage for injuries suffered during emergency duties, Alex King Nartey from the Fire Service recently announced. When hurt battling fires, officers must pay all medical bills themselves first. They later request money back through paperwork. This reimbursement process takes considerable time with uncertain results.
The issue surfaced after Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene visited the March 22 fire disaster site at Adum, Kumasi. A commercial building near the business district burned completely. The flames destroyed numerous shops and merchandise valued at thousands of Ghana cedis. Fire investigators continue examining what sparked the massive blaze.
Fire teams arrived promptly to contain the flames and shield adjacent structures from damage. During his inspection, Dr. Amoakohene became visibly angry upon seeing what he believed was a water-less fire truck. He confronted the firefighters directly. He demanded explanations about the apparently empty vehicle at the scene.
Speaking with GHOne TV, Nartey expressed disappointment about the minister's public criticisms. He suggested appreciation would have served better than reprimands. The public relations officer stated that such camera-recorded scolding reduces motivation among staff. These personnel face dangers daily protecting communities and property.
Nartey emphasized that firefighters lack health insurance protection for job-related injuries. He explained that hurt personnel must spend personal money on medical treatment. Afterward, they submit paperwork requesting compensation. This creates financial struggles for firefighters without available cash, forcing many to borrow funds for medical care.
The issue surfaced after Regional Minister Dr. Frank Amoakohene visited the March 22 fire disaster site at Adum, Kumasi. A commercial building near the business district burned completely. The flames destroyed numerous shops and merchandise valued at thousands of Ghana cedis. Fire investigators continue examining what sparked the massive blaze.
Fire teams arrived promptly to contain the flames and shield adjacent structures from damage. During his inspection, Dr. Amoakohene became visibly angry upon seeing what he believed was a water-less fire truck. He confronted the firefighters directly. He demanded explanations about the apparently empty vehicle at the scene.
Speaking with GHOne TV, Nartey expressed disappointment about the minister's public criticisms. He suggested appreciation would have served better than reprimands. The public relations officer stated that such camera-recorded scolding reduces motivation among staff. These personnel face dangers daily protecting communities and property.
Nartey emphasized that firefighters lack health insurance protection for job-related injuries. He explained that hurt personnel must spend personal money on medical treatment. Afterward, they submit paperwork requesting compensation. This creates financial struggles for firefighters without available cash, forcing many to borrow funds for medical care.
