The GNFS and US Embassy Staff
The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has received a delegation from the US Embassy Accra to strengthen cooperation in fire safety, emergency response, and occupational health.
The delegation was led by Marie Ljubojevic, Facility Manager and Post Occupational Health and Safety Officer, and included the Department of State’s Fire Marshal Arthur Clardy visiting from Washington, DC, and Embassy Accra’s Post Safety Coordinators Ebenezer Gbolonyo, Fred Terkpernor, and Francis Amernyitor.
The delegation was welcomed by the Director of Technical Services, DCFO Frances Rockson, who represented the Chief Fire Officer, on behalf of the Management and staff of the Service.
DCFO Rockson described the visit as timely, historic and significant, underscoring the importance of collaboration in strengthening national emergency response systems as discussions focused on response capabilities, joint training opportunities, and practical areas of collaboration.
The delegation was taken on a tour to view selected firefighting equipment, providing first-hand insight into GNFS operations and operational challenges.
Ms. Ljubojevic expressed appreciation for the warm reception and described the engagement as an important step toward deepening the cordial relationship between the U.S. Embassy and the Ghana National Fire Service.
The United States and Ghana continue to strengthen its partnership in disaster management and emergency response through multiple collaborative initiatives.
In 2025, the North Dakota National Guard’s 81st Civil Support Team conducted specialised Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) training in Accra for the Ghana National Fire Service and local first responders, building on over 20 years of partnership through the State Partnership Programme.
The Ghana Air Force Rescue and Firefighting Service also participated in a technical exchange with the U.S. Air Force focused on unified command and control in crisis situations. Â At the municipal level, the City of Trenton, New Jersey, is working with other U.S. cities to provide training and equipment donations to the Ghana National Fire Service.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief Fire Officer, DCFO Frances Rockson noted that the Ghana National Fire Service responds annually to about 6,000 fire incidents and over 500 road traffic crash and other rescue emergencies, placing increasing demands on firefighters, particularly in the face of limited resources.
She highlighted that despite these challenges, the Service has improved its average response time from about 12 minutes in 2012 to approximately 8 minutes in 2026, largely through improved station distribution, training, and intensified public fire safety education.
She further outlined key operational challenges, including ageing fire tenders, late call ups, inadequate personal protective equipment, traffic congestion, poor addressing systems and landmarks, bad road networks, and lack of respect for fire tender sirens by some motorists, all of which affect emergency response.
DCFO Rockson expressed gratitude to the US Embassy team for their interest in the work of the Service and reaffirmed GNFS’s commitment to professionalism, continuous improvement, and partnership.
A Daily Guide Report